MONTREAL -- The Canadiens could get a much-needed shot in the arm sometime soon.

Ailing forwards Saku Koivu and Donald Audette both took steps Monday toward returning to the Montreal lineup, the Canadian Press reported.

Koivu, the Canadiens captain who has missed the entire season battling abdominal cancer, participated in his first full practice with his teammates. He is hoping to return for the playoffs, if the Canadiens make it that far.

The return of Audette could be much sooner. He took part Monday in his first full practice since tearing tendons in his forearm Dec. 1. Audette hopes to return to action as early as next week.

"This next week will be very telling," Audette, who hopes to suit up when the Canadiens visit Philadelphia on April 4, told the Press.

"I will base my return on my capacity to win one-on-one battles," Audette said. "I don't want to play and risk losing the puck because I lack strength in my wrist.

"I won't be at 100 percent before September. But I want to play if I'm able to help the team. So far, the progress is encouraging."

Koivu, meanwhile, remains prudent on an eventual return this season.

"Things went well," he said. "But I must admit it's different to practice with the team for the first time in six or seven months. My body reacted well, at least, even though my timing was off."

Koivu should have a better idea of where he stands in the next week to 10 days. If there are no setbacks, Koivu hopes to return to competition just before the start of the playoffs.

Koivu foresees playing 10 to 15 minutes a game upon his return.

"We've missed the playoffs the last three years, and I want to be there when we make it," he told the Press.

Koivu has received the green light to play from his doctors, and says he feels great. His blonde hair is even starting to grow back after falling out from the chemotherapy treatments.

"I'm happy to get back to a normal life," Koivu said. "Simply coming back to a stiff practice like this did me a lot of good."

Canadiens coach Michel Therrien was elated to see both Audette and Koivu on the ice again.

"It was refreshing to see them," he said. "Just their presence brought energy to the team.

"There was a lot of intensity in practice."