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Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to IR, Iiro Pakarinen Recalled

A bruised sternum will put RNH on the shelf for a bit, maybe Iiro Pakarinen can fix the penalty kill while he’s here.

By Jeff Chapman
Edmonton Oilers v New Jersey Devils
Your Hero heard that the PK needs fixin’.
Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images

It’s been five days since Ryan Nugent-Hopkins took a big hit from Vegas defenceman Brayden McNabb during the second period of Edmonton’s 3-2 OT victory over the Golden Knights. Nugent-Hopkins left the game and I immediately thought his shoulder was blown up into about fifty-three pieces.

Fortunately, it wasn’t his shoulder. Or a concussion. Bullet dodged. Except it’s a bruised sternum. More specifically, his bruised sternum. No trouble, it’ll be better by the time the bye week is over. Except it won’t be.

Kinda depends on how long he’s out. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be out at least for the Vancouver game on Saturday. He’ll have the opportunity to be back in the lineup on Tuesday as the Sabres visit Edmonton at Rogers Place. So heal up, 93.

Nugent-Hopkins is third on the Oilers in scoring with 31 points (16-15-31). His absence will likely push Leon Draisaitl into his spot, while Ryan Strome will likely be moved over to cover for Draisaitl.

Iiro Pakarinen was recalled, maybe he can fix the league’s worst sub-73% penalty kill while he’s up here.