"Ryan Nugent-Hopkins took another step on the road back into the Edmonton Oilers lineup on Wednesday.

The Oilers rookie passed Tom Renney's fitness test, then took part in a full-contact practice with the team for the first time since injuring his shoulder.

It is expected Nugent-Hopkins will make his return to the lineup Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings.

"His test was good, there was almost no drop-off," said Renney. "We'll see how he does in the morning. I'm very cautious there. He had no pain (Wednesday) but that's his first day of contact and bumping and being involved with that part of it. I'm thinking he won't play (Thursday) but we'll see.""