What was initially thought to be a minor injury will now keep one of the Edmonton Oilers most productive forwards out for over a month.
Head coach Todd McLellan told reporters on Friday that forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will miss five-to-six weeks with cracked ribs, an injury that was sustained in the last game the Oilers played before their bye week Jan. 13 against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Nugent-Hopkins left that game in Las Vegas with an apparent upper-body injury after being hit by Vegas' Brayden McNabb during the second period. After the game, McLellan told said he expected Nugent-Hopkins would be ready to play following the Oilers seven-day layoff.
Here's what sparked the fight. Clean hit on Nugent-Hopkins, who looked shaken up afterward. pic.twitter.com/al83tLUePc
— Ryan Quigley (@RP_Quigs) January 14, 2018
But on Thursday, a day ahead of when the Oilers returned to the ice, Nugent-Hopkins was placed on injured-reserve. Then after practice on Friday, McLellan revealed the extent of teh injury.
Coach McLellan notes that despite the initial indication, @RNH_93 will be out 5-6 weeks with an upper body injury.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 19, 2018
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In 45 games this season, Nugent-Hopkins has recorded a team-high 16 goals, and 31 points, third among Oilers skaters. Edmonton hosts the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, and enters play Friday 10 points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference.