"Jason Spezza is proving to be a quick healer.

The Senators centre, who has resumed skating and shooting the puck after suffering a shoulder injury on Dec. 26 against Pittsburgh, could be back earlier than expected.

Coach Cory Clouston told reporters Wednesday morning that Spezza has made progress and there's a good chance he could return not long after the five-day all-star break ends on Jan. 30.

"He's been taking some shots, not big slap shots, but he's ahead of schedule," said Clouston. "So that's a real positive. He's working hard. He's making sure his conditioning (is kept up).

"It's one thing to go ride a bike and go out there and skate by yourself, but he's doing as much as possible.

"Hopefully, sometime early after the all-star break, he'll be ready to help us out. But we're going to be cautious in that regard.""