The Edmonton Oilers announced today that forward Tobias Rieder‘s upper-body-injury could see him is sidelined for up to a month.

Coach McLellan says @TobiRieder8 will miss about a month with his upper-body injury.

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 15, 2018

Tobias Rieder Injured

Although the details of this injury have not been disclosed. It is speculated to have occurred in the second period of their game against the Montreal Canadians on Tuesday night. Rieder left the game and did not return. The Oilers won the game 6-2.

So far this season, the 26-year-old has failed to score but put up seven assists for seven points. Along with a meagre two minutes in penalties and possession numbers of 46.4 percent Corsi-For and a relative Corsi of -5.8.

Over his five year NHL career, Rieder has played primarily for the Arizona Coyotes. With a brief stint with the Los Angeles Kings before joining the Oilers this year. He has 55 goals and 69 assists for 124 career points in 330 career NHL games. Rieder was originally drafted by the Oilers in the 4th round, 114th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Although the extent of the versatile forward’s injury remains fairly elusive. Coach Todd McLellan did admit in the post-game interview that  “when (an injury) happens that early, and a player doesn’t return, it’s never a good sign,”

What This Means for the Future.

In response, the Oilers call up Patrick Russell from the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL. Its anticipated the 25-year-olds NHL debut will come against either the Calgary Flames or the Vegas Golden Knights this weekend.

However, Rieder will be missed as the German forward has been playing strong two-way hockey. It will be interesting to see who the Oilers use instead, particularly on the penalty kill. As Rieder has been a key player in that role. Regardless though, it will mean a reshuffle of the top six.

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