Carolina Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov looks to be nearing a return to the lineup.

The Russian winger was knocked out of the game against the Winnipeg Jets on March 9 after absorbing an awkward hit, and has since missed the past three games for the Canes.

However, Svechnikov returned to the ice on Monday, skating on his own and working with assistant coach Jeff Daniels for about a half hour before the team practice later that morning.

He then took the ice again Tuesday for around an hour at a very limited optional skate, so the signs are at least promising for the 24-year-old forward to make the upcoming road trip.

"We'll find it," said Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour. "We have a couple more days and then we'll see where he's at. Obviously if he doesn't practice with us then that will be an indicator that he probably won't, but he tried it out this morning so he's getting better."

While no clarity on his injury has been made public, Brind'Amour did state that it was not a concussion.

The Hurricanes will hold one more full team practice on Wednesday before they fly out to San Jose for a game against the Sharks on Thursday.

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