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Ryan Nugent-Hopkins News
Ryan Nugent Hopkins is expected make his season debut on Monday vs. the Devils.

Nugent-Hopkins is coming off of shoulder surgery in the offseason. He was expected to miss much more than just two games, but that does not appear to be the case. His return will certainly be a welcome sight to the Oilers, who are really thin down the middle right now.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
The Edmonton Oilers have agreed to terms with centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to a seven-year contract extension worth $42 million US.

Nugent-Hopkins, 20, scored four goals and 24 points in 40 games last season before he was shut down in April to have season-ending shoulder surgery. As a rookie, the third-year NHLer recorded 18 goals and 52 points in 62 contests.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Rather than take any chances with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ surgically repaired shoulder, the Edmonton Oilers will not send their centre out for any pre-season games. That also puts into question his availability for the first month of the regular season.

Nugent-Hopkins had surgery in April to repair the torn labrum in his left shoulder. General manager Craig MacTavish said on Sunday that the club is still following the initial timeline, which was a November 1 return. If Nugent-Hopkins isn’t ready for the opener, the Oilers will need to find another centre. MacTavish did not rule the possibility of Taylor Hall moving from the wing but said it would be a coaching decision.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins