Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Injury: Updates on Oilers Center's Hand and Return

Edmonton Oilers star center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been sidelined after suffering a hand injury in Monday night's game against the Florida Panthers. He underwent surgery on Jan. 21, and it is uncertain when he will be able to return to action.

Continue for updates.

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Timeline for Nugent-Hopkins' Return Revealed

Tuesday, Jan. 19

Head coach Todd McLellan told reporters Nugent-Hopkins will be out for six to eight weeks.

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Nugent-Hopkins Injured While Blocking Shot

Tuesday, Jan. 19

Nugent-Hopkins' injury occurred during the second period of the Oilers' 4-2 victory over the Panthers. He blocked a Dmitry Kulikov shot while killing a penalty and immediately showed signs of discomfort.

Sportsnet Canada spotlighted the play:

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Major Injuries Have Taken Toll on Oilers

Nugent-Hopkins' injury is yet another setback for an Edmonton team that's played better as of late with a 4-4-2 record over its past 10 games. It has already been forced to play a majority of the campaign without this year's top overall pick, Connor McDavid, who's sidelined with a broken collarbone.

Nugent-Hopkins, the first overall selection in 2011, had tallied 30 points (eight goals and 22 assists) in 46 games before the injury. He's racked up 218 points in 304 career contests.

Leon Draisaitl will likely assume top-line center duties for the 27th-placed squad until either McDavid or Nugent-Hopkins is cleared to return. Mark Letestu should also move into a top-six role in the meantime.