Nurse missed Wednesday's game in St. Louis while in COVID-19 protocol but is expected to be back in the lineup in New Jersey. The Oilers are also expected to get Jesse Puljujarvi and William Lagesson back.
Nugent-Hopkins missed the Oilers' last game but has cleared protocol and will play in St. Louis. Nugent-Hopkins has picked up 25 points (3G / 22A) in 28 games this season.
Hyman has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury but will play tonight in St. Louis. Hyman, who has scored 11 goals with eight assists (19 points) in 26 games this season, is expected to be back on the Oilers' top line with Connor McDavid.
The Oilers have already been shut down through the Christmas break, so we'll see when they resume play next week. Nurse will likely be out until at least next Thursday.
Koekkoek has been out since November 18th but is expected to be back in the lineup on Saturday. Koekkoek has just one assist in 11 games this season.
Alex Nedeljkovic was added to COVID-19 protocol so Pickard is expected to serve as Thomas Greiss' backup on Saturday. Pickard has gone 9-7-2 with a 2.47 GAA and .926 SV% in 19 AHL games this season.
Nugent-Hopkins is the second Oilers player to go into COVID-19 protocol, joining Ryan McLeod. Nugent-Hopkins will likely miss at least 10 days.
The COVID-19 protocol list continues to grow in Boston, as Frederic was one of three players added on Thursday morning. Frederic joins Anton Blidh, Jeremy Swayman, Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.
Hyman appeared to suffer a shoulder injury on Saturday and missed Monday's practice. Head coach Dave Tippett did not rule Hyman out for Tuesday's game vs. his former team, so consider him day-to-day and monitor his status tomorrow.
