Oilers Reporter Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 has confirmed that Ekholm & McLeod are close to returning, with both expecting to play preseason games. According to Gregor, neither are expected to play this week's game for Edmonton against Vancouver and Calgary.
Ekholm has missed the start of training camp with a hip flexor, a non-serious injury according to Oilers General Manager Ken Holland, and approximately a week away from a return. McLeod is out with an "undisclosed" injury, and is day-to-day.
Ekholm, 33, had 9 Goals and 32 Points in 78 Games last season, being traded from the Nashville Predators, where he spent 12 seasons. Ekholm had 14 Points in 21 Games after being acquired by Edmonton.
McLeod, 24, is entering his 4th NHL season. A second-round draft choice of the Oilers in 2018, McLeod had 11 Goals and 23 Points in 53 Games for Edmonton last season.
