Oilers' Klefbom returns to lineup despite impending shoulder surgery

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Oscar Klefbom will return to the lineup Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks after missing the team's last two games with a shoulder ailment, head coach Todd McLellan said.

Klefbom's return comes in spite of the fact that a recent procedure he had on his shoulder will require a follow-up "clean-up" as early as next week, at which point his season would be finished, McLellan added.

"There's no risk of any damage," McLellan said. "I'm not going to deny him the opportunity to contribute to this team."

McLellan added Klefbom "will be ready for training camp" next season, as reported by Sportsnet's Mark Spector.

Having a player return to the lineup coming off a procedure - ahead of further surgery on the same shoulder, no less - seems like an unnecessary risk for a team closer to last place in the league than a playoff spot.

Klefbom had a career-high 12 goals and 38 points for the Oilers last season but has been one of many players on the team to regress this year, as he has just four goals and 19 points in 63 games. It isn't too far-fetched to believe his down season may have something to do with an ailing shoulder.