The injury bug didn't waste any time taking a bite out of the Edmonton Oilers.
Stalwart forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will not dress for the club's opener Tuesday versus the Vancouver Canucks, coach Mike Babcock said.
Nugent-Hopkins is sidelined with a lower-body injury, according to the coach.
The 33-year-old had 20 goals and 36 assists for 56 points in 72 games for the Oilers last season.
The Oilers will start their season of high expectations in Vancouver. Coverage of the game begins on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 7 p.m. ET / 10 p.m.
