Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Expected Back Saturday at Phoenix

Another feel-good update on RNH as the star center is expected to play tomorrow afternoon against the Phoenix Coyotes reports Dan Tencer over Twitter. Owners who desperately need his combination of youth and speed can feel comfortable slotting him back into their lineups.

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2/23/12: Good news out of Edmonton Oilers practice as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins donned a regular jersey according to Sportsnet’s Gene Principe, via Twitter. It should only be a matter of time before the pivot returns to the lineup. To see what the lines look like without him, click here.

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2/20/12: As of this morning, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was still not taking contact according to 1030 CHED’s Dan Tencer, via Twitter. At this point, it sounds like RNH will at least miss another week.

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2/17/12: Not sure to call it a setback, but Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is certainly recovering at a slower pace than anticipated. Considering he was previously lauded for his work ethic, the injury was probably more sever than originally diagnosed. According to Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, via Twitter, RNH is getting closer and more likely to play next week.

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2/16/12: Here we are, 10 days after Nugent-Hopkins’s 7-10 day prognosis was reported, and the kid still isn’t taking contact according to the team’s official Twitter account. Oilers assistant coach Ralph Krueger would later report that they are simply taking it one day at a time and that RNH will clearly not play in tomorrow’s game. His presence on the ice is a good sign but fantasy hockey owners must be frustrated by the lack of progress.

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2/13/12: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins last played on February 6th, separating his shoulder. Now, seven days later, the rookie still has not returned to practice according to 630 CHED’s Dan Tencer, via Twitter. His less-than-expedient return has prompted Sportnet’s Gene Principe to opine, via Twitter, that RNH could miss some more time.

As of right now there has been no official word from the team. However, we should expect an update on the current first overall pick soon.

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2/7/12: Just two games into his most recent return, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins separated his shoulder and will miss 7-10 days according to the team’s official Twitter account. The current first overall pick failed to register a point over that span, taking just one shot on goal and posting a minus-3 rating.

Clearly, this second injury raises questions about his durability. However, this injury is apparently not related to his previous ailment. In his first 40 NHL games, the youngster mustered 13 goals and 35 points while giving the Edmonton Oilers some much-needed life. His absence in the lineup will keep Sam Gagner on the top line but hurt the team’s overall depth.

Look for Nugent-Hopkins to return on either Wednesday, February 15th against the Toronto Maple Leafs or Friday, February 17th against the Colorado Avalanche.