Kris Knoblauch provides encouraging injury timeline for Tristan Jarry and Jake Walman

The Edmonton Oilers received some much-needed positive news on the injury front as head coach Kris Knoblauch offered detailed updates on the recovery progress of defenseman Jake Walman and goaltender Tristan Jarry during the team's post-practice media availability.

Jake Walman appears close to rejoining the Oilers lineup after missing significant time since blocking a shot against Tampa Bay on November 20th. The defenseman's bone bruise proved more problematic than initially anticipated after what was originally deemed a day-to-day injury into a multi-week absence that required placement on long-term injured reserve on December 11th.

Jake Walman ready to skate

According to Knoblauch, Walman could rejoin team practices as early as Sunday or by Tuesday's game day skate. The timeline suggests the 29-year-old blueliner could return to game action sometime in the coming week potentially against Anaheim or in the subsequent games.

"We anticipate [Walman] will be on the ice with the group as soon as tomorrow. If not then, a game day skate on Tuesday. That's when he's going to start skating with the team," Knoblauch explained to reporters.

Walman had been one of Edmonton's more productive defensemen before the injury derailed his season. Through 17 games, he recorded three goals and 10 points while averaging over 18 minutes of ice time per night. His absence has been felt particularly on the power play and in transition where his skating ability and puck-moving skills used to create opportunities for Edmonton's dynamic forwards.

The injury also marked another setback in what's been a frustrating season for Walman who had also dealt with an undisclosed injury during training camp that kept him out of the season opener. He eventually made his debut on October 15th against Ottawa but has now missed over seven weeks of action with the bone bruise.

Jarry's recovery proceeding with extra caution

Tristan Jarry's return timeline extends slightly further out with the coaching staff taking a deliberately cautious approach given the nature of his injury and his history of lower-body issues.

The goaltender sustained his injury on December 19th against Boston when he pushed post-to-post to make a save and absorbed contact from an incoming Bruins forward immediately coming up limping before exiting the game.

Knoblauch revealed that Jarry has already begun taking shots during morning skates with scratched players which is an encouraging sign in his rehabilitation. The coach projects Jarry could return to full practice participation within the next week with a potential return to game action approximately two weeks away, likely sometime in late-January.

"[Jarry's] been out taking shots, believe it was Thursday morning skate with some of the scratches. Jarry's played through a lot of injuries, we just want to make sure this is healed and not a reoccurring thing. So we're giving him that time, and within the next week, probably regular practices. Two weeks, maybe joining us full time," Knoblauch stated.

The extra precaution stems from legitimate concerns about creating a recurring issue that could plague the netminder for the remainder of the season. Jarry had previously dealt with a lower-body injury in early November while still with Pittsburgh missing a minimum of three weeks after getting hurt on November 3rd in Toronto against the Maple Leafs. That injury sidelined him through mid-November before he was eventually cleared to return only to be traded to Edmonton on December 12th.

The timing of Jarry's latest injury was particularly unfortunate for the Oilers as it occurred in just his third appearance with his new team. He had started strong with Edmonton posting a 2-0-0 record in his first two starts before the injury struck against Boston. The Oilers acquired Jarry specifically to address their goaltending concerns and as the first choice in the crease.

Oilers timeline for full strength

If both players progress as expected, the Oilers could be at close to full strength by late January with Kasperi Kapanen also expected to make his return. Walman's imminent return should provide an immediate boost to the defense corps potentially as early as this week.

Jarry's mid-January target has been seemingly pushed slightly back but it would give him ample time to get game-ready and establish himself before the playoff push intensifies.

Walman may see reduced minutes initially as he rebuilds his conditioning after nearly seven weeks away from game action. Jarry will likely face a similar ramp-up period, potentially splitting starts with Connor Ingram until he demonstrates full health.

The next two weeks will be critical in determining whether both players can return to their previous form and help stabilize an Oilers team that has Stanley Cup aspirations but needs all hands on deck to achieve that ultimate goal.