Oilers Place Nugent-Hopkins on IR; Janmark Set for Season Debut

EDMONTON, AB – The Edmonton Oilers suffered another setback on Monday as head coach Kris Knoblauch announced that forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been placed on injured reserve. He is expected to miss at least one week due to an undisclosed injury.

Mattias Janmark, who has been sidelined for the first month of the season, is set to make his season debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight at Rogers Place. Coach Knoblauch’s announcement comes after a disappointing 9-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night, where Nugent-Hopkins logged a season-low 14:50 of ice time and finished the game with a minus-4 rating.

Nugent-Hopkins had been a crucial player for the Oilers this season, recording five goals and 11 assists in 16 games. He ranks among the top scorers on the team, joining fellow forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in averaging a point per game. Despite his efforts, the Oilers have struggled to find consistency, currently sitting at 6-6-4 and ranking seventh in the Pacific Division.

Nugent-Hopkins’ injury could significantly impact the team, especially as they prepare for a six-game road trip in the Eastern Conference, which starts with the Blue Jackets tonight. In his absence, Noah Philp is expected to step into a more prominent role on the second line alongside McDavid and Draisaitl.

In addition to Nugent-Hopkins, forward Kasperi Kapanen was also moved to long-term injured reserve after suffering an undisclosed injury earlier in the season. Kapanen has not played since October 19 against the Detroit Red Wings.

Janmark’s return is a bittersweet moment for the Oilers as they navigate through injury challenges. He was off to a promising start last season before his injuries, contributing 16 points in 80 regular-season games.

The Oilers aim to reverse their fortunes after a tough stretch, with tonight’s game against the Blue Jackets serving as an opportunity to regroup and regain momentum.