Schultz (back) will begin taking contact soon and should return on an upcoming five-game road trip that begins Monday against the Capitals, per Oilers coach Todd McLellan.

EDGE Analysis

Schultz hasn't played since Nov. 25, when it's believed that he originally sustained the injury upon getting checked into the end boards by Nick Shore of the Kings. It's not clear which game on the road trip he'll ultimately draw into, but being able to withstand contact would appear to be a big step forward in the recovery process for the blueliner.