Ryan Nugent-Hopkins out ‘long-term’ after blocking shot with hand (Video)
The Edmonton Oilers won their second in a row with a 4-2 defeat of the Florida Panthers Monday night. But they suffered a big loss early in the second period when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins injured his hand blocking a Dmitry Kulikov shot.
Nugent-Hopkins left the game and did not return. Afterward, Oilers head coach Todd McLellan announced that the 22-year old forward would be out “long-term.”
So much for all those trade rumors, huh?
Through 46 games, Nugent-Hopkins has eight goals and 30 points, but now will have to deal with what’s likely a broken bone in his right hand.
The timing of Nugent-Hopkins’ injury is a tough blow with Connor McDavid set to return in a few weeks. As of Saturday, the Oilers led the NHL in man-games lost to injury, according to ManGamesLost.com. Just look at how their lineup has been decimated this season.
We’ve all seen this movie before, and this sequel involves another poor Oilers’ season, some more lucky lottery balls and Auston Matthews.
– – – – – – –
Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy
MORE FROM YAHOO HOCKEY:
