The Edmonton Oilers announced today that Ryan-Nugent Hopkins will head to injured reserve:

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be out of the #Oilers line-up for the next 3-4 weeks with a left shoulder injury.

Nugent-Hopkins joins Cam Barker (ankle), Sam Gagner (ankle), Taylor Hall (shoulder), Ales Hemsky (shoulders), Alex Plante (concussion), Corey Potter (ankle), and Ryan Whitney (knee, ankle, foot) on the significant injury list thus far in 2011-12.

While no official announcement has been made regarding the nature of the injury, the fall and recovery time suggest a mild sprain of the AC ligament, similar to the one Hall suffered after being hit by Ryan Wilson.

News and notes:

• Tom Gilbert left the ice early during this morning's skate and will not be in the lineup tonight against the Blues.
• Ryan Whitney went to North Carolina for a consultation with his doctors there. While listed as day-to-day, the injury seems much more severe at this point.