Nathan MacKinnon will not play Friday against the Winnipeg Jets, but his return is imminent and could be as early as Sunday against the Edmonton Oilers.

Head coach Jared Bednar said that despite taking part in an optional practice Thursday wearing a regular sweater, MacKinnon will not play Friday but is questionable for the team's Sunday game against the Oilers.

MacKinnon has missed seven games so far with a shoulder injury and Friday's contest will make it eight. The 22-year-old has 24 goals and 37 assists in 49 games for the Avalanche this season.