The Edmonton Oilers announced Tuesday that centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, right winger Jordan Eberle and defenceman Jeff Petry will not play in tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Kings.
Defenceman Darnell Nurse and centre Bogdan Yakimov will make their NHL debuts.
Nugent-Hopkins was listed as day-to-day after sustaining an undisclosed injury following the game against the Vancouver Canucks, in which he had his first career fight.
Head coach Dallas Eakins told the Edmonton Sun the fight is not to blame for Nugent-Hopkins’ injury status.
“He took a big hit right before the fight and took a few whacks as well during the game,” Eakins told the Sun. “He’s kind of bruised up all over.”
Eberle is also listed as day-to-day with undisclosed injuries, and did not participate in Tuesday’s morning skate.
Defenceman Jeff Petry is a healthy scratch for tonight.
With Petry out Nurse, the Oilers’ first-round pick from the 2013 Draft, will make his NHL debut tonight. Nurse, known for his dynamic style of play and penchant for going on the offensive, was selected seventh overall. He reportedly will be paired with Justin Schultz.
Centre Bogdan Yakimov, selected 83rd overall by the Oilers in the 2013 NHL Draft, was recalled from the Oilers’ AHL affiliate Oklahoma City Barons, circulating rumours that he might play in Tuesday’s matchup.
Right winger Teddy Purcell appears to also be playing tonight, following an undisclosed injury.
