The Edmonton Oilers announced that center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is out injured for at least two games with a hand injury.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will miss tonight's #Oilers vs. Coyotes matchup due to a hand injury. He's expected to be out at least two games. pic.twitter.com/8wGNj7vhpD
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 25, 2019
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Injured
Although how the injury happened is unclear, it appears the 26-year-old center sustained the hand injury during Saturday nights win over the Vegas Golden Knights.
So far this season, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has scored five goals and ten assists for 15 points to go along with 12 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 46.9 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of -1.3.
Over his nine-year NHL career, Nugent-Hopkins has been loyal to the Edmonton Oilers since they drafted him in the first round, first overall in the 2011 NHL draft. He has 152 goals and 245 assists for 397 career points in 564 career games.
What This Means Moving Forward for the Edmonton Oilers
At this point, Nugent-Hopkins has already been ruled out for Wednesday’s matchup against the Colorado Avalanche as well as a surprise scratch in Sunday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes. This will mark the first game the 26-year-old will miss this season. Sam Gagner will serve as a replacement on the second line Sunday.
Although it is hoped by the Edmonton organization that this injury will not be substantial. Edmonton heads into Sunday’s game at 15-7-3 and is currently at the top of the Pacific Division. With Nugent-Hopkins’ absence, it puts added pressure on the Oilers star top line to continue offensive production. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is a large part of the Oilers offence. The Oilers will hope the injury doesn’t last any longer than the predicted two games. If it is to only last for the two games, the Oilers will be able to make do with their current lineup and only making minor changes. If it turns out to be longer, more changes may be required.
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