Oilers’ Nugent-Hopkins returns to lineup after rib injury

Edmonton Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) celebrates a goal. (Jason Franson/CP)

Sportsnet Staff March 3, 2018, 1:22 PM

Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is ready to make his return to the lineup after a rib injury sidelined him for a month and a half.

The #Oilers have activated Ryan Nugent-Hopkins from Injured Reserve. pic.twitter.com/VDRm7ioq05

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 3, 2018

"It's good to feel good again… I'm looking forward to getting back out there." @RNH_93, scored 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists) in 46 games prior to his injury pic.twitter.com/DahbO5Ikid

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 3, 2018

Nugent-Hopkins has not appeared in a game since Jan. 13 against the Vegas Golden Knights. The 24-year-old took a hard hit from Vegas defenceman Brayden McNabb in that contest and was forced to leave the game.

Oilers coach Todd McLellan had Nugent-Hopkins centring a line between Mike Cammalleri and Pontus Aberg during Saturday’s morning skate. Edmonton hosts the New York Rangers Saturday night.

Cammalleri-RNH-Aberg
Lucic-McDavid-Draisaitl
Puljujarvi-Strome-Slepyshev
Pakarinen-Khaira-Kassian

Caggiula extra forward

— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) March 3, 2018

Nugent-Hopkins has 16 goals and 15 assists in 46 games this season.

"He was having one of his best offensive seasons… We'd like to get him some confidence over this last month." Coach McLellan on @RNH_93, saying the centreman added some "calculated risk" to his game this year

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 3, 2018

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