The Edmonton Oilers announced yesterday afternoon that two players who were in the lineup the previous night against the Calgary Flames were placed on the injured reserve. Forward Joakim Nygard and defenceman Kris Russell were both injured during the Battle of Alberta.
Nygard suffered a hand injury during the first period after blocking a shot from Flames defenceman T.J. Brodie. Nygard is a 27-year-old Swedish rookie who was signed by the Oilers this past offseason after spending the previous seven seasons in the SHL. The speedy winger who beat Connor McDavid in the Oilers' fastest skater competition has three goals and six assists in 33 games.
Russell is said to have suffered a concussion during Wednesday's game, although it isn't clear when the injury took place. The 32-year-old veteran defenceman is in his fourth season with the Oilers. In 49 games this year, he has eight assists. Russell's value comes largely from his ability to block shots, a category in which he is among the league leaders each season.
Due to the injuries, the Oilers have called up forward Tyler Benson and defenceman William Lagesson from their AHL affiliate Bakersfield Condors. Benson, who was selected 32nd overall in the 2016 draft, is one of the Oilers' top end prospects. Through the first 115 games of his AHL career, Benson has 104 points. This call up marks his first stint in the NHL. As for Lagesson, this will be his third call up of the season. Despite that, the 23-year-old has only appeared in two games for the Oilers. In 25 AHL games this season, Lagesson has recorded 10 points.
