Nikita Nikitin will be out of Edmonton’s lineup for the next four-to-six weeks with a shoulder injury according to Oilers broadcaster Jack Michaels on Saturday.
Nikitin was injured in Thursday’s 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres after receiving a hit from Zemgus Girgensons in the third period.
The original prognosis on the injury wasn’t positive, with the Oilers expecting the 28-year-old defenceman to miss a chunk of time.
Nikitin has three goals and five assists in 34 games this season for Edmonton.
Keith Aulie has filled Nikitin’s spot in the lineup and has been paired with Mark Fayne.