Ryan Nugent-Hopkins out three to four weeks

 

In a move that surprised no one, the Edmonton Oilers announced that rookie centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would be lost to the team for next three to four weeks. Nugent-Hopkins was injured during the first period of Edmonton's Monday night game against the Chicago Blackhawks. The youngster appeared to catch a rut when he tumbled awkwardly into the side boards, with no other player within fifteen feet of him. While he quickly jumped back to his feet and made his way to the Oilers bench, the NHL's Rookie Scoring Leader would not return and did not play in Edmonton's next game on Tuesday night.

With last year's first overall selection out of the mix, it will now mean Sam Gagner will be given the opportunity to centre the clubs top line between Taylor Hall and Ales Hemsky. The trio were together against the Sabres on Tuesday night and they were easily the best line on the night. The injury also means, that this years leading candidate for the Calder Trophy, will likely will miss this year's All-Star weekend in Ottawa. Nugent-Hopkins what have certainly been the focal point of the Young Stars game and had a chance of possibly being named as a reserve for the game itself, on the 29th of January.