The Edmonton Oilers are set to get some relief with Cam Talbot closing in on his return from a lower-body injury.

Talbot skated with the Oilers on Tuesday and told the Edmonton Sun on Wednesday his goal is to return in less than a week.

The 30-year-old goaltender has not played since Nov. 28, when he made 29 saves in a 3-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes. 

The Oilers have gone 3-3 since and Talbot said both he and the team are looking forward to his return.

“I want to be back and they want me to be back and play, but at the same time, if I aggravate it or something like that then I’m out for an extended period again,” said Talbot. “We’re just trying to find that fine line. Maybe I’m not 100 per cent when I come back, maybe it’s 95, but as long as there is no risk of aggravating it I’ll be ready to go.”

In 22 starts this season, Talbot owns a 10-10-1 record with .903 save percentage and a 3.00 goals-against average.

The Oilers host the Nashville Predators on Thursday before hitting the road to play the Minnesota Wild on Saturday afternoon. Talbot could return against the San Jose Sharks at home on Monday night, or wait another three days and face the St. Louis Blues on Dec. 21.

Talbot said the decision on when he returns is ultimately up to the training staff.

“They [the training staff] have a timeline, but it goes off of how I feel,” Talbot told the Sun. “If I feel better sooner, great. Right now I think I’m on track to be back sooner than the original time line. I feel good right now. If I don’t have any setbacks I should be back pretty soon.”