The Edmonton Oilers announced that they will be without Slater Koekkoek indefinitely as the defenceman will be out with a broken collarbone. Koekkoek sustained the injury during the club’s 7-1 beatdown of the Calgary Flames.
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Slater Koekkoek Out With Collarbone Injury
Koekkoek sustained the injury in the first two minutes of the contest on Saturday night. He was the recipient of a massive hit from Flames forward Sam Bennett at centre ice. Koekkoek slowly got to his feet and went straight to the dressing room. He did not return to the game. Bennett received a two-minute minor for interference for the hit on Koekkoek. After the Oilers scored on the ensuing powerplay, Bennett had to answer for his actions as Jujhar Khaira dropped the gloves with Bennett right off the faceoff.
In 17 games this season, Koekkoek has registered one goal while averaging 12:55 of ice time per game for the Oilers. He was signed to a one-year deal by the Oilers on December 26th.
Koekkoek was originally drafted in the first round, 10th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Oilers Defence Takes a Hit
With Koekkoek out, the Oilers are down yet another defenceman. Ethan Bear is currently on the injured reserve, however, may soon make his return to the lineup. His return can’t come fast enough as the Oilers’ defence is pretty lacklustre as it is. Koekkoek had been occupying a spot on the Oilers’ third pairing next to rookie Evan Bouchard. However, we will most likely see Bear jump back into the top-six upon his return with Kris Russell moving down next to Bouchard. In nine games this season, Bear has registered two assists while averaging 20:28 minutes of ice time.
The Oilers’ next game will be on Tuesday night when they open a two-game set in Vancouver against the Vancouver Canucks.
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