DAN RIEDLHUBER
The Edmonton Oilers expect to have forward Ales Hemsky and defenceman Cam Barker back in the lineup for Tuesday's night game against the Montreal Canadiens.
Coach Tom Renney would not say who will come out of the lineup, but it is likely that one will be winger Magnus Paajarvi.
Hemsky has missed 11 games with a shoulder injury, while Barker missed three with a bad shoulder.
Renney said Hemsky, one of Edmonton's top playmakers, will bring "experience, offensive output, good leadership and a guy who is really passionate to play this year."
He would not confirm that Hemsky will move onto a line with Shawn Horcoff and Ryan Smyth.
It will be the first game at the Bell Centre for Oilers rookie and No. 1 overall draft pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who has 12 points in his first 13 NHL games. The former Red Deer Rebel said he was anxious to play.
"Just seeing the rink in practice is exciting," he said.