Oilers' Neal back in lineup vs. Stars
Edmonton Oilers forward James Neal will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars, head coach Dave Tippett confirmed, according to The Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman.
Neal, 32, has missed the club's last 16 games after suffering a foot injury on Jan. 29.
The 6-foot-3 winger potted 11 goals in his first 14 outings to start the season, but he's found the net just eight times in 36 games since. Neal needs just one more tally to cement his 11th career 20-goal campaign.
Edmonton acquired Neal from the Calgary Flames for forward Milan Lucic in July. There are three years left on the Ontario native's current deal beyond this season, which carries an annual cap hit of $5.75 million.
The Oilers welcomed forward Kailer Yamamoto back into the lineup on Monday as they continue to get closer to full strength. Defenseman Kris Russell will be a game-time decision against the Stars, while blue-liners Oscar Klefbom and Mike Green remain sidelined.
Entering Tuesday's action, the Oilers sit two points behind the Vegas Golden Knights for the top spot in the Pacific Divison.