Unfortunately for the Edmonton Oilers, defenceman Jake Walman won't be returning to the lineup anytime soon.
The team announced on Tuesday that the defenceman has been placed on the long-term injured reserve.
Walman last played on Nov. 20 as he deals with an undisclosed injury. The 29-year-old has been limited to just 17 games this season, posting three goals and seven assists.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters on Monday that the blue-liner's injury is worse than initially anticipated and that he'll be out a while.
The Oilers acquired Walman at the trade deadline last season, after which he posted a goal and seven assists in 15 regular-season games. His impact lasted throughout the team's Stanley Cup run when he added two goals and eight assists in the post-season, leading to a seven-year, $49-million extension in the off-season.
Meanwhile, the Oilers also placed forwards Jack Roslovic and Connor Clattenberg on the injured reserve.
Roslovic last played on Nov. 25. The 28-year-old has enjoyed a solid offensive season in Edmonton, scoring 10 goals and adding eight assists through 23 games.
Knoblauch said on Monday that Roslovic's estimated return time is around Christmas.
Clattenberg, who's dealing with an eye injury, heads to the IR just five games into his first NHL stint. The 20-year-old scored his lone goal against Dallas on Nov. 25 and has averaged just over seven minutes of ice time a night.
To help fill the void on offence, the team recalled Max Jones from Bakersfield of the AHL.
Jones, a 27-year-old forward who was acquired last season alongside Trent Frederic from Boston, has yet to appear in a game with the big club this season.
However, he played in 19 games with the Oilers last season, logging a goal and an assist. Through 17 games in the AHL this year, he's registered five goals and two assists.
