The Edmonton Oilers are exercising caution regarding the injury status of forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
The versatile player was absent from Tuesday`s practice session, which the team officially termed a “maintenance day.”
Nugent-Hopkins` participation in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final was uncertain until game time due to an undisclosed injury. Despite this, he ultimately played, logging 15 minutes and 34 seconds of ice time and recording one shot on goal.
With Zach Hyman already unavailable, the potential absence of a key forward like Nugent-Hopkins would severely test the Oilers` depth chart. If Nugent-Hopkins is unable to play in Game 4, Jeff Skinner is the likely candidate to move up to the top line alongside Connor McDavid and Corey Perry.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch addressed the situation before Game 3, stating, “We don`t have as much versatility if we are missing a center. Centers are so important just to move around, and we don`t have a lot of centers on our roster.”
Throughout the playoffs, Nugent-Hopkins has been crucial on the penalty kill and offers valuable flexibility, capable of playing both center and wing. His ability to shift to the second-line center position is vital, allowing the Oilers to deploy McDavid and Leon Draisaitl together on the top line when trailing late in games.
The 32-year-old continues to provide significant offensive contributions for the Oilers this postseason, having accumulated five goals and 18 points in 19 games. In the previous season`s playoff run to the Cup Final, he registered seven goals and 22 points.
The Florida Panthers currently hold a 2-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final, secured after a decisive 6-1 victory over the Oilers in Game 3.
