Oilers’ Darnell Nurse out ‘long-term’ with lower-body injury

Leon Draisaitl and Mark Letestu both scored a pair of goals to lead the Edmonton Oilers to the win over the Winnipeg Jets.

The Edmonton Oilers have placed defenceman Darnell Nurse on injured reserve, the club announced Saturday.

According to head coach Todd McLellan, Nurse is looking at a long-term absence due to a lower-body injury.

McLellan said Nurse was injured during Thursday’s 6-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets. No other details were released about the injury, with McLellan saying they will know more “after today or tomorrow.”

The loss will certainly be felt by the Oilers, especially with fellow defenceman Brandon Davidson still out. The 21-year-old has been a big presence on Edmonton’s blue line in his second season up with the NHL club. The 6-foot-4, 213-pound rearguard plays a physical game and is known for being a strong puck-mover.

Nurse has three goals and two assists in 25 games this season.

The news means Mark Fayne will factor back into the lineup Saturday night against the Anaheim Ducks.

In a corresponding move, the team also recalled defenceman Dillon Simpson from AHL affiliate Bakersfield Condors.

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