EDMONTON, AB - With much of the roster's Thursday schedule centred around the team's 30-game evaluation and work in the gym, forwards Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zack Kassian were part of a smaller group of Oilers players participating in today's optional skate at Rogers Place.
Both forwards' full involvement signalled progress in their respective recoveries from hand and back injuries despite their status as 'game ready' ahead of a visit from the Los Angeles Kings on Friday still yet to be determined.
"Kass looked like he was moving well out there," Head Coach Dave Tippett said. "Nuge wasn't in all the drills, but the ones he was he looked alright in."
"They're players who've played in our top-six all year, so you miss both of them."
BLOG: Kassian, Nugent-Hopkins nearing returns
Both forwards were able to participate in Thursday's optional skate as they continue to recover from respective back and hand injuries
© Bill Wippert/Getty Images
