Not much has changed in the injury world since last weeks update. Most people who were considered injured a week ago are now back in the lineup, and for that, I’m thankful.
Milan Lucic, who missed two games due to an undisclosed injury came back to the lineup firing on all cylinders. His return came against the New Jersey Devils where he opened the game with an incredible fight against the Devils, Kurtis Gabriel. Whatever was ailing him before clearly isn’t anymore.
Oscar Klefbom, who took a puck to his Swedish meatballs against the Rangers last week also was out of commission for about a day. He didn’t miss any game action thankfully, but he did miss a practice and was a game-time decision for the Devils on Wednesday.
I don’t even know how to explain the uncomfortableness I get when watching this clip below. I’m PRAYING that Klefbom was wearing a cup during this game, as apparently, not all NHLers do. I’m not surprised at all that something like this shook Klefbom up and I sincerely hope for the best recovery possible for the guy. My goodness.
Ouch. Oscar Klefbom's swedish meatballs gets hit by the puck. #Oilers pic.twitter.com/NdU8lYm0gO
— OILERZ (@oilerzmedia) March 12, 2019
Jujhar Khaira was the last man to return from injury again this past week. Again, he didn’t miss any games, but he missed practice on March 12th, which raises some questions if his heel injury is still a nagging issue for him. You may start to notice more and more guys taking maintenance days at this point of the season. It’s been a long ~70 games and nagging injuries start to catch up to guys sooner or later. The NHL schedule is a long, gruelling process, and I’m always blown away to find out how many injuries certain players have played through at the end of every season.
Jesse Puljujarvi
Jesse Puljujarvi is the only real player on the injured reserve for the Oilers at the moment. As you know, he had surgery on his hip a couple of weeks ago and is already fully engaged in rehab. He seems to be all smiles and is expected to make a full recovery, and attend training camp next fall. I hope he’s enjoying his rest and time off!
Previous Injury Reports
- Lucic misses first game as an Oiler, Koskinen sidelined, and a Puljujarvi update
- Puljujarvi shut down for season, Khaira’s return still unknown
- Does Puljujarvi need surgery
- Sekera’s return, Benning sidelined
- Hitchcock takes puck to the head and Sekera skates in Bakersfield
This in-depth injury analysis is brought to you by the Capilano Rehab Centre
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