Oilers’ Darnell Nurse to miss 5-10 days with upper-body injury

While speaking to the media on Monday, Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch revealed that defenseman Darnell Nurse is projected to be out of the lineup for around 5-10 days.

Nurse was at the wrong end of a high hit from Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves on Saturday. The collision led to Nurse spiraling down to the ice, with a noticeable cut on the right side of his head being visible as the Oilers’ training staff was attending to him.

The 29-year-old was able to skate off the ice under his own power, but he didn’t return to the game.

Knoblauch didn’t confirm what exactly is ailing Nurse, but assured that he’s on track for a quick return.

“Obviously there was a big scare there,” Knoblauch said. “Since then, he’s progressed really well, he’s doing as good as he can.”

Reaves was handed a five-game suspension from the NHL Department of Player Safety for an illegal check to the head. It was the fourth time the veteran had been suspended in his 15-year NHL career.

Nurse has been decent in the early part of the season, though the Oilers are still actively trying to overcome a sluggish start as a team. In 18 games, the Hamilton, Ontario native has potted two goals and seven assists for nine points, averaging 20:49 of ice time while registering a plus/minus rating of +2.

The former Sault Ste. Marie Greyhound has been pretty healthy over the last couple of years, only missing one regular season since the beginning of the 2022-23 campaign.

If Nurse’s timeline holds true, he could miss up to four games, including a clash with the Minnesota Wild this Thursday.

The Oilers (9-7-2) have climbed up to fifth in the Pacific Divison, four points back of the first-place Vegas Golden Knights. Edmonton is scheduled to face the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night.