Oilers Injury Update: Nugent-Hopkins practices Monday, Babcock remains cautious on return

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has yet to make his season debut for the Edmonton Oilers, and although the hope is that he will return sometime this week, coach Mike Babcock wants to remain cautious.The Oilers veteran did split time at centre during practice with Colton Dach on a second line, between Zach Hyman and Kasperi Kapanen, indicating he’s starting to rev up. “I don’t really have a great answer for you,” said Babcock on Nugent-Hopkins status after practice on Monday morning.  The Oilers start a five-game homestand on Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild.

“We’ll talk to the guys after and see what’s going on,” continued Babcock. “I think us being smart about it and skating the guys and making sure they come back healthy so they stay healthy — you get a little nervous, and then maybe you overdo it. I don’t know. I don’t have the right answer there.” 

The @EdmontonOilers practice today:

Podkolzin-McDavid-Draisaitl
Hyman-Dach/RNH-Kapanen
Formenton-Michaels-Joseph
Hallander/Jones-Frederic-Howard

Ekholm-Bouchard
Shea-Murphy
Walman-Emberson
Mukhamadullin

Levi
Jarry

The Oilers have been trending in a healthier direction, getting Hyman, Dach, and Jake Walman back in the lineup during Saturday’s beatdown of the Utah Mammoth.

Part of that beatdown came with Trent Frederic’s fists, who took a number against Jack McBain who ran Leon Draisaitl the game before. He agreed that it’s the best he’s felt physically since becoming an Oiler.

“I feel like I’m skating better,” Frederic told the media on Monday. “I feel healthy. Like I said, I’m having a lot of fun. I’m confident in how my body feels, so it’s good.” 

The change in coach has also helped. Frederic appreciates Babcock’s style, but he’s also taken on more of a physical role, twice dropping the mitts so far this season.

“Babs has us playing well,” he said. “There’s no grey area in our game. Everyone knows what we’re supposed to do. Everyone, I think, feels good about their game, and so I think that’s kind of a combination of all of it.” 

Centre Jason Dickinson was absent from the ice on Monday, and no questions were asked during media scrums about his status moving forward. He left practice on Thursday, and Babcock later revealed that the cause was unrelated to his long-standing ankle injury. One would have to think he is doubtful for Tuesday’s game.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.LAST CALL: NATION VACATION IS TAKING OVER TORONTO!The clock is ticking, Nation Citizens! Your chance to join us for Nation Vacation: Toronto, presented by JetSet Parking, is almost gone. From November 13–16, we’re heading to Toronto for a hockey weekend like no other. We’re talking Edmonton vs. Toronto, a VIP private suite at the game, special guests, exclusive Nation Experiences, and plenty of time to connect with fellow fans. This isn’t just another hockey trip. It’s your chance to be part of the action and experience Toronto with the Nation community. This is your last chance to secure your spot. Don’t miss out on the hockey, the atmosphere, or the memories waiting to be made. Head to NationExperiences.ca to book your spot today! A hockey trip is good. A Nation Vacation is better.