Schultz (illness) did not skate in warmups and thus can be considered out for Tuesday's tilt with Columbus, play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels reports.

EDGE Analysis

Schultz has not played in a game since Jan. 23. The 25-year-old defenseman's next chance to return to the ice will come Thursday when Edmonton plays at Ottawa.

Schultz (illness) is considered "very doubtful" for Tuesday's game against Columbus.

EDGE Analysis

Schultz missed Tuesday's morning skate due to an illness, which was the first indication that he may not be available for Edmonton's matchup with the Blue Jackets. If, as expected, the 25-year-old blueliner is unable to go Tuesday, Adam Clendening will likely make his Oilers debut in his absence.

Schultz assisted on Nail Yakupov's goal in a 2-1 shootout loss to San Jose on Thursday to extend his points streak to two games.

EDGE Analysis

The assist gives Schultz four points in his past four games and eight points in 31 games on the season. Although he's played much better of late, Schultz has been very disappointing this season. It is very unlikely that he scores 30 points, like he did in each of the past two seasons, and while the 25-year-old still has room to grow, it seems as though his development has stagnated in Edmonton. He will be a restricted free agent this coming summer.

Schultz provided a goal and an assist in Tuesday's match with the Coyotes, but it wasn't enough as the Oilers fell in overtime, 4-3.

EDGE Analysis

Schultz fired the puck against the twine after receiving a perfectly timed pass from Leon Draisaitl. Schultz only has seven points in 30 games, but four of those tallies have taken place on the man advantage. The Oilers use Schultz in all situations, as the defenseman is averaging 2:07 of ice time on the power play and 1:13 when the team is shorthanded.

Schultz scored his second goal of the season and fired five shots on goal in 22:01 of ice time in Friday's loss to the Lightning.

EDGE Analysis

Quite possibly the most dangerous Schultz has looked all season, as the blueliner was named second star of the game. The 25-year-old continues to log heavy minutes for the Oilers, so if he can build off this strong showing, he could be worth monitoring in deeper formats, especially if he gets moved at the trade deadline. Schultz has just five points in 28 games this season, but he posted consecutive 30-plus-point campaigns in his previous two seasons and has great offensive instincts.

Schultz could end up being dealt by Edmonton, report the Edmonton Journal.

EDGE Analysis

Schultz can be a restricted free agent after the season and his play would seem to mean the $4 million it would cost Edmonton to quality him would be to much. The question would really be what they can get back in return? While defensemen are generally extremely valuable at the trade deadline, what has Schultz shown to impress anyone to give up something worthwhile?

Schultz (back) was activated off of IR on Saturday Oilers web site.

EDGE Analysis

Schultz will play Saturday and will hopefully give the Oilers defense a nice boost. Schultz should also once again anchor the number one power play unit eventually also although this is probably the area in which he has been most disappointing in since being signing with Edmonton.

Schultz (back) will not play Friday against Detroit, but will be activated prior to Saturday's contest, Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Schultz was believed to be a candidate for Friday's contest, but it appears his return will be pushed back to Saturday. His absence lasted a month, but he'll be welcomed back to the Oilers' blue line. Griffin Reinhart (who was scratched Friday) appears to be a potential candidate to be reassigned to the AHL upon Schultz's return.

Schultz (back) will likely return to action Friday against the Red Wings, Jack Michaels of the Oilers Radio Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Schultz has been out since Oct. 27 with a back ailment, but returned to practice on Nov. 16, and took contact for the first time since suffering the injury Friday, indicating he's on the verge of making a return to game action. He won't play Wednesday against Carolina, but will likely draw back into Edmonton's lineup Friday against Detroit. Once healthy, Schultz should return to his role skating alongside Andrej Sekera on the Oilers' top pairing, a role in which he tallied 16 shots on goal, 13 blocked shots, and one assist in the first nine games of the season.

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.