Boeser practices ahead of schedule, hopes to return soon

Injured Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser was a full participant in practice on Sunday, and he's hoping to return to the lineup ahead of schedule.

"It's always exciting to skate with the guys and it feels good to be back out there," Boeser said, per the team. "I felt pretty good out there so hopefully I'll be back soon."

General Manager Jim Benning announced Feb. 18 that Boeser was expected to miss at least eight weeks due to a rib cartilage fracture.

Boeser had notched 16 goals and 29 assists in 56 games before being sidelined. His return to the lineup would be a huge boost for the Canucks, who enter Sunday's tilt versus the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Western Conference's first wild-card spot with 76 points.