"Tom Gilbert will be back in the lineup as the Edmonton Oilers take on the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday in the first of a three-game road trip.

The Oilers defenceman has been out since Jan. 2 after being driven into the end boards by Chicago Blackhawks winger Daniel Carcillo.

Gilbert injured his ankle and knee on the play.

"It's been a long five weeks," said Gilbert. "This has been the longest five weeks in my career, I think. This is definitely a new experience for me.

"I think the best way to ease my way back after an injury is just to go out there and play. That's the only way you can get comfortable again, get back into the game, get back into the pace. You know you're going to be a little bit slower, the game is going to be a little bit quicker and the more I can not focus on my ankle and just go out and play, the better it's going to be.""