The Edmonton Oilers remain noncommittal about Connor McDavid's return to game action, but there is progress based on Friday's sighting of No. 97 on the ice with his teammates.

McDavid, who in late November was reportedly ahead of schedule in his recovery from a broken left collarbone suffered early in that month, could return as early as this month, though there is no official timetable.

"I think he is on schedule," is all Oilers head coach Todd McLellan would tell reporters after the team's on-ice workout Friday.

The 18-year-old McDavid was the centre of attention as the players loosened up.

McDavid was expected to be out months after he fell awkwardly and slid into the end boards with two Philadelphia defencemen.

The rookie NHL centre had surgery to install a plate and screws and by late November was said to have already resumed workouts in a pool and lifting weights.

He was named NHL rookie of the month for October and has five goals and 12 points in 13 games, having fit in well on a line with Nail Yakupov and Benoit Pouliot.

Speaking of Yakupov, he has missed 17 games with an ankle sprain but was also on the ice Friday.