Edmonton Oilers News

Henrique has not played since December 3rd but has been activated from IR according to the team website and could return to the lineup on Thursday. Henrique had 16 points (6G / 10A) in 24 games before getting hurt.

Hyman has missed the last three games while in COVID-19 protocol but is expected to play Thursday vs. the Predators. Hyman is expected to start on the third line with Ryan McLeod and Zack Kassian but could move up with Connor McDavid at some point. Hyman has not scored a goal in his last 11 games, compiling just four assists.

Nugent-Hopkins has missed the last six games with a lower-body injury but is set to play Tuesday in Vancouver. The Oilers will go with a different look, centring the third line with Zack Kassian and Brendan Perlini, instead of playing with Leon Draisaitl.

The Oilers woes continue with Skinner getting added to the COVID-19 protocol list on Monday morning. With Mike Smith also banged up right now, expect Mikko Koskinen to start on Thursday.

Walman has been a healthy scratch recently and probably wasn't going to play anyways but he won't be available for the next two games.

Murray has not played since November 27th, when he suffered a lower-body injury his first shift vs. the Predators. Murray, who has four assists in 17 games this season, will replace Jack Johnson on the blueline.

Nugent-Hopkins is expected to be sidelined through the month of January, which is a terrible blow for an Oilers team that is also without Connor McDavid (COVID-19 protocol) right now.

The Oilers are in the middle of a tough stretch and things will get more difficult on Wednesday with McDavid, Tyson Barrie and Derek Ryan all in COVID-19 protocol. Ryan McLeod is expected to move into the top-6 with McDavid out.

Smith recently returned to the crease but appeared to suffer a lower-body injury in the latter part of Friday's game. Iyla Konovalov has been called up to serve as Mikko Koskinen's backup on Saturday.