The Edmonton Oilers received some bad news on Monday as defenceman Darnell Nurse is out injured. Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said that Nurse will be out five to 10 days after getting a a high hit from Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves on Saturday.
Kris Knoblauch #Oilers saying Darnell Nurse will be out for around 5-10 days.
“Obviously there was a big scare there..since then, he’s progressed really well, he’s doing as good as he can.” @TSNHockey
— Kenzie Lalonde (@KenzieTSN) November 18, 2024
Darnell Nurse Injured and Out 5-10 Days
Nurse was hit hard by Reaves during Saturday night’s Hockey Night in Canada matchup in Toronto. The 29-year-old defender fell to the ice and was cut on the right side of his head. Nurse was able to leave under his own power, but he did not return to the game.
Reaves has been suspended for five games for the check and was given a match penalty. This is the fourth time that Reaves has been given a suspension by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.
Nurse has two goals and seven assists for nine points in 19 games this season. The Hamilton, Ontario native has a Cori for of 48.4 and a relative Corsi of -13.1.
He has 78 goals and 198 assists for 276 points in 658 career games. Edmonton originally drafted Nurse in the first round, seventh overall of the 2013 NHL Draft. He’s only played for the Oilers in his 11-year NHL career.
What It Means
Nurse did struggle in the last Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, his recent play has helped Edmonton turn things around after a shaky start. The Oilers have talented defencemen like Evan Bouchard, but they’ll need Nurse to continue his strong play.
Nurse has been relatively healthy over the last few seasons. He may be out of the lineup for now, but former Sault Ste. Marie Greyhound has only missed one game since the start of the 2022-23 season.
Edmonton does have to play catch-up in the Pacific Division. However, this team does have the tools to get back to the top. They’ll need Nurse to get back sooner rather than later.
Main photo by: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
