Edmonton Oilers rule out Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with surprising injury

Nugent-Hopkins was absent from practice yesterday, which was listed as maintenance. Unfortunately, it's more than just that.

According to Oilers coach Knoblauch at practice today, Nugent-Hopkins will not play tonight's game and could miss up to a week. The coach did not explain the exact nature of the injury.

It's a tough break for the Oilers to lose Nugent-Hopkins, a key player who assumes any role needed to help the team. Either playing alongside Connor McDavid or centering the second line, the Oilers will have a significant role to fill without Nuge.

Additionally, the Oilers injury reporting hasn't been close to accurate this year. Coach Knoblauch seems to give out the minimum information with a random return timeline.

While the Oilers will be losing Nugent-Hopkins for some time, they won't have to make any roster moves. Nuge will likely be placed on IR, and Mattias Janmark will be cleared to return.

The Oilers were expected to make a roster cut today because of Janmark's return, but the injury to Nuge will delay any cuts. Instead, Janmark and Lazar will play tonight's game and David Tomasek will be scratched.

The Oilers will be looking get back into the winning column immediately tonight, and make a statement after getting blown out 9-1. They have a perfect opportunity against a weaker Columbus Blue Jackets squad.

If they lay another egg tonight, major changes could be needed to turn this year around. Everyone in Oil Country will be watching closely tonight to see if this group can prove something.