Nugent-Hopkins to Miss Oilers Opener With Lower-Body Injury
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will sit out Edmonton's season opener because of a lower-body injury. Coach Mike Babcock said he treats a day-to-day designation as roughly a two-week absence and suggested the injury could break up Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Babcock also gave updates on Matthew Savoie, Jason Dickinson and Frederik Andersen, who are already on injured reserve.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will not play Edmonton’s first game, against Vancouver, after hurting himself in Monday’s practice and exiting early. Mike Babcock said he generally treats a day-to-day label as roughly a two-week absence. The issue may force Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl apart, with Vasily Podkolzin stepping onto the top power play.
Edmonton also has Matthew Savoie about eight weeks out as of early week, Jason Dickinson unable to push yet, and Frederik Andersen possibly back in December. Nugent-Hopkins, 33, is in his 16th Oilers season and has 804 career points in 1,031 games. Missing time delays his pursuit of Kevin Lowe’s franchise games record.
Nugent-Hopkins’s absence may mainly affect the Oilers’ locker room, coaching plans, and fans who follow early-season games. Teammates could see altered roles, especially on the power play and top lines, while opponents may face a different Edmonton look. For the wider public, the impact is likely confined to sports audiences, local game-night activity, and fantasy or betting interest rather than broader society.