The Edmonton Oilers will be without centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to start the season.
Oilers GM Craig MacTavish told reporters on Sunday that Nugent-Hopkins could miss the first month of action before getting the go-ahead from the team.
“In talking to our medical staff, we’ve determined that everything is on schedule — but it’s important for them that we maintain the pessimistic schedule that we started with, which would be Nov. 1,” MacTavish said.
Nugent-Hopkins underwent season-ending surgery in April to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, which has been a constant source of dismay for the 20-year-old early in his career. He also missed 20 games his rookie season due to shoulder injuries.
The Burnaby, B.C., native’s absence leaves Edmonton with a hole down the middle, with Sam Gagner the only other offensive centre on the roster. It’s been suggested the Oilers will shift left winger Taylor Hall to centre to fill the void.
Nugent-Hopkins, the first overall pick in 2011, scored four goals and 24 points in 40 games with the Oilers last season.
