According to Reid Wilkins at 630 CHED, defenceman Kris Russell will be a game time for tonight’s game against the Predators decision after blocking a shot off his hand on Sunday night in the game against the Anaheim Ducks.

When you’re the NHL’s leader in blocked shots, you have to expect injuries to be part of the equation. So far this season, Kris Russell has thrown his body in front of 185 shots and it seemed like a matter of time before an injury would occur. That said, Russell is a warrior that often plays through bumps and bruises and it almost seems likely that he will play despite being a game time decision.

And with Adam Larsson returning to Sweden for his father’s funeral, the Oilers will be short on experience on the backend which makes Russell missing a game almost unlikely. That said, with the Oilers being out of playoff contention they would be wise to not rush Russell back into action as he will surely be needed down the stretch.

In 61 games played, Kris Russell currently leads the Edmonton Oilers’ in points from the back end with 21 (4G, 17A) on the season.

Do you think Russell will play? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.