Kris Russell News

Russell has missed the last two games and will be a game-time decision tonight vs. the Predators. With Ethan Bear making his NHL debut tonight in place of Adam Larsson, there’s no word on who Russell will replace if he does play.

Russell missed Sunday’s game in Anaheim and will be a game-time decision tonight in San Jose. If Russell’s hand isn’t ready for him to return then look for Yohann Auvitu to remain on the blueline.

Despite being hit in the face by a puck this morning, Russell is expected to play tonight vs. the Devils. Russell has registered one goal and three assists in 11 games so far this season.

The Oilers were able to clear some cap space by trading away Jordan Eberle, but used most of it to sign Russell. The 30-year-old doesn’t grade out well in the analytics community, but the Oilers obviously like what they have in the undersized, but fearless blueliner. Russell had one goal and 12 assists (13 points) in 68 games in his first year with the Oilers.

Russell has missed the last five games with a lower-body injury, but will replace Brandon Davidson in the lineup on Tuesday. Russell has just five assists in 47 games this season.

Russell has missed the last seven games with an undisclosed injury, but he is expected to draw back into the lineup tonight in Dallas. Russell finished last year with the Stars, so he is probably excited to be back in the lineup for this particular game. He has three assists in 11 games with the Oilers so far.

Russell will come out of the lineup on Saturday due to an undisclosed injury. The veteran defenseman will be replaced by Eric Gryba in Brooklyn. Consider Russell day-to-day.

Following the trade of Nail Yakupov, the Oilers signed Russell to a one-year, $3.1 million deal and he will solidify their second pairing with Sekera. Both are left-handed shots, but both are equally capable of playing the right-side, however Russell will start there. If used in the right capacity, Russell can be a solid second-pair defenseman, but his ugly possession numbers speak for themselves. His signing likely push righty Mark Fayne to the press box.

Russell, 29, spent the last two and a half years with the Flames, before being dealt to the Stars at last year’s deadline. Russell finished the year with four goals and 15 assists (19 points) in 62 games. Russell’s possession numbers are awful and that has led to him leading the league in blocked shots (751—3.1 per game) over the last four seasons. He should help bolster the Oilers’ blueline if he is used properly.

Russell will not travel on the Stars upcoming two-game road trip in California, but could return for final two games of the regular season.

Russell has missed the last three games and will miss at least the next two contests with a foot injury. The Stars will let Russell heal for a bit longer, since they are locked into the playoff picture.