Oilers fan favourite Connor Clattenburg suffers injury far worse than it seemed

Following the injury in Seattle on December 20, Clattenburg was placed on the IR and was expected to miss a few games only.

It appears, however, that Clattenburg will miss more games than was expected as he's been moved to LTIR status.

The earliest the 20-year old from Ottawa is qualified to return is against the Winnipeg Jets on December 29, but that is unlikely as the Oilers have not updated his status, leaving room for speculation.

Of course, it is quite possible the team is just being cautious with the 5th-round pick's health and don't want to rush his return, even if they could use his services in the bottom-6.

Despite their recent success, Edmonton has lacked physicality this season, with players like Frederic not bringing the aggression for which he was acquired.

In the five games he's dressed for the Oilers, Clattenburg has dished-out 17 hits, good for 11th on the team, though he's only averaged 7:12 of TOI.

In fact, he leads the team in hits per 60 with 28.3. It's the kind of aggression that has had the fans jumping in their seats and cheering when he's on the ice.

It is perhaps the missing factor in Edmonton's bottom-6 forwards this year, who've not been able to produce, but nor have they added another element to their game.

Edmonton's two top-lines rely on speed, skill and offense to dominate play and contribute to wins. Their depth players, however, cannot play with skill and therefore must find other ways to contribute.

Physicality is one way, and it's what Connor Clattenburg adds to the lineup when he's healthy.

We just don't know when exactly that will be.