Nikitin, 29, will head to the AHL for the first time since 2010-11 despite posting three assists and a plus-2 rating in four preseason games. Griffin Reinhart or Brandon Davidson are expected to stick with the Oilers in place of Nikitin.

The oft-injured Nikitin had 10 points (4G / 6A) in 42 games last year for the Oilers. He didn’t appear to be in the Oilers plans for 2015-16 after the emergence of Oscar Klefbom and the addition of Griffin Reinhart. If he clears waivers he is expected to be assigned to Oklahoma City (AHL).

Nikitin has been out since January 29th with a shoulder injury, but he will get back in tonight vs. the Blue Jackets. Nikitin will replace Keith Aulie and be paired with Andrew Ference. He has eight points (3G / 5A) in 34 games this season.

Nikitin has missed the last three games, but was finally moved to IR this afternoon to make room for the Oilers to recall Martin Marincin. Nikitin is expected to miss 3-5 weeks with the shoulder injury.

Nikitin left Thursday’s game vs. the Sabres with an upper-body injury that will keep him out for at least one month. With Nikitin out, expect Keith Aulie to be in the lineup on Saturday.

Nikitin has been out with a back injury since December 3rd. To make room for Nikitin, the Oilers sent Brad Hunt back to the AHL. Nikitin, who has five points (2G / 3A) and a minus-6 rating will likely be paired with Justin Schultz on Tuesday vs. the Kings.

Nikitin missed the last three games with back spasms, but will be back on the blueline tomorrow in Philadelpha. Nikitin will be paired with Justin Schultz in his return. He has one goal and two assists in eight games this season.

Nikitin will miss his second straight game because he is being bothered by back spasms. That means that Brad Hunt will remain paired with Justin Schultz and play on the second power-play unit. Nikitin is day-to-day.

Nikitin missed Monday's game with back spasms and he likely won't be in the lineup on Wednesday vs. the Predators. With Nikitin out, expect Brad Hunt to stay in the lineup.

Nikitin did not skate this morning and was listed as a game-time decision. He is not on the ice for warmups and Brad Hunt is, so Hunt is in and Nikitin will sit. He is listed as day-to-day.

Nikitin did not skate in the Oilers morning skate on Monday morning and could miss tonight's meeting with the Canadiens. The Oilers classified it as a "maintenance day" and a decision on his availability for tonight will come during warmups.

Nikitin, 28, was acquired from Columbus this offseason to bring some added experience to the Oilers blueline. He had a breakout year in 2011-12, but has failed to eclipse the 20-point mark in any of his other four seasons. He will start his Oilers career on the second pairing with Mark Fayne; who will also be making his Edmonton debut.

The Oilers acquired Nikitin's rights from the Blue Jackets in exchange for a fifth-round pick. The 28-year-old Nikitin has had a very difficult time staying healthy. He missed 16 games this season with a combination of upper and lower-body injuries. He has missed a total of 54 games over the last three seasons (25.5% of games). However, when he is in the lineup he has shown flashes of top-4 defenseman. He had 32 points in his first year with the Blue Jackets but saw his production fall to two goals and 13 assists (15 points) last year.

Nikitin was not on the ice for the Blue Jackets morning skate and will sit tonight as Nick Schultz draws into the lineup. Consider Nikitin day-to-day.

Nikitin was injured in Tuesday's loss to the Avalanche. He will not play on Thursday and will be replaced by either Nick Schultz or Tim Erixon. Nikitin is listed as day-to-day.

Nikitin missed Saturday's game after suffering an upper-body injury on Thursday in Chicago. He will skate with James Wisniewski as Cody Goloubef takes a seat.