The Edmonton Oilers have made several roster moves ahead of Thursday night’s rematch with the Vancouver Canucks.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who did not play in the season opener, was officially placed on injured reserve. In response, the Oilers have recalled Josh Samanski under emergency conditions, who was the last cut from the team in training camp.

Not much is known about Nugent-Hopkins’ injury, other than it was suffered late into practice on Monday. It’s believed to be a lower body injury, and he was treated for it during the home opener, which is why he wasn’t introduced. Officially, he is listed as “day-to-day,” but coach Mike Babcock was bracing for a two-week timeline.

Samanski can provide more options for Mike Babcock as he builds forward lines, considering his defensive style. Owen Michaels is quite green in the pros, playing his first on Tuesday, while Colton Dach is still getting a grasp of the position at the NHL level. Jason Dickinson remains “day-to-day.”

Samanski’s addition means there are 13 forwards available on the roster. He finished last season with Edmonton, playing a total of 24 regular-season games and five of the six playoff games. Samanski scored two goals and four points.

As of publication time, 11 a.m. MT, there have been no lineup announcements for tonight’s game.

Meanwhile, Matt Savoie and Alec Regula have both been placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), and their injuries are listed as “month-to-month.” Babcock said in his Tuesday scrum that Savoie was “eight weeks away,” although GM Stan Bowman projected a shorter timeline in conversation with Jason Gregor on Monday. He scored 18 goals and 37 points last season.

Regula is recovering from off-season surgery. There was hope he would begin skating soon, but that has not materialized. Atro Leppänen remains technically on the Oilers roster but is listed as out after blocking a shot in pre-season.

Michael Menzies is an Oilersnation columnist and co-host of Pregaming and Postgaming. He’s also been the play-by-play voice of the Bonnyville Pontiacs in the AJHL since 2019. With seven years of news experience as the Editor-at-Large of Lakeland Connect in Bonnyville, Menzies collects vinyl, books, and stomach issues. Follow him on X at Menzies_4. 

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