Ryan Nugent-Hopkins won’t play tonight against the Dallas Stars. Kasperi Kapanen likely won’t either. And while missing two forwards against a quality opponent like Dallas isn’t ideal, there’s a case to be made that sitting them out is the right call.

The Edmonton Oilers have been managing injuries and roster issues all season. Nugent-Hopkins has been dealing with an undisclosed issue that’s kept him out recently. Kapanen’s been in and out of the lineup. Both players could probably push through and play tonight if absolutely necessary. But what’s the actual benefit of rushing them back for one game at the end of November?

Dallas is good. The Stars are 13-5-4 and sitting comfortably in the playoff picture. They’re one of the tougher matchups in the Western Conference. If Nugent-Hopkins and Kapanen aren’t 100 percent, throwing them into that environment doesn’t help anyone. The Oilers don’t benefit from having them at 70 percent. The players don’t benefit from aggravating injuries that could linger longer.

“Last couple weeks, the lines have been more regular,” began Kris Knoblauch. “Guys have been playing more consistently together, just because we feel more comfortable with knowing what we have with our team. You know who’s got chemistry. And it’s going to change a little bit more in the future weeks, just with guys coming back from injuries. Kapanen soon, Nuge is coming back soon. But I think it’s important for just a more hands-off approach and let this play this out.”

The schedule provides a natural break. Edmonton plays Dallas tonight, then doesn’t play again until Tuesday against Seattle. That’s two extra days of rest and recovery. Two days for Nugent-Hopkins to heal properly instead of rushing back and potentially making things worse. Two days for Kapanen to get right instead of playing hurt and being ineffective.

Seattle is the more winnable game. Not to discount Dallas, the Oilers should compete every night regardless of the opponent. But Seattle is 10-10-1 and more beatable than the Stars. If the choice is between having Nugent-Hopkins and Kapanen at 70 percent against Dallas or having them at 100 percent against Seattle, take the latter every time.

Nugent-Hopkins specifically is too important to this team to risk long-term. He’s a versatile veteran who can play center or wing, handles penalty-killing duties, and provides secondary scoring. The Oilers need him healthy for the long haul, not just for one game against Dallas. If sitting him out tonight means he’s fully ready for Seattle and beyond, that’s the smart move.

Kapanen has shown flashes when healthy. He’s got speed and offensive ability that can make a difference. But he needs to be at full strength to utilize those tools. Playing him hurt against Dallas doesn’t accomplish anything except potentially extending his recovery time.

The Oilers are 10-9-5. They need points. Every game matters. But they also need their players healthy for 82 games, not just the ones in late November. Managing injuries properly now prevents bigger problems later. Nugent-Hopkins and Kapanen sitting out tonight to be fully ready for Seattle and the rest of the season is asset management, not giving up on a game.

Dallas is tough. The Oilers will need their depth to step up tonight without two regular contributors. But that’s been the reality all season—players getting opportunities because others are out. Tonight’s no different.

Nugent-Hopkins and Kapanen probably won’t play against Dallas. They’ll get two extra days to heal before Seattle. That’s the right call. Better to have them at 100 percent for the remainder of the season than at 70 percent for one difficult game tonight.

Sometimes the smart play is patience. Tonight’s one of those nights.

Savoie- McDavid – Roslovic

Podkolzin – Draisaitl – Mangiapane

Frederic – Henrique – Hyman

Clattenburg – Tomasek – Janmark

Ekholm – Bouchard

Nurse – Regula

Kulak – Emberson

Skinner