Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to miss 5-6 weeks as Edmonton Oilers come out of bye

The Edmonton Oilers will be trying to fight back into the playoff race without one of their top players.

Centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will miss five to six weeks, according to head coach Todd McLellan.

“He’s got cracked ribs. Upper body injury. Cracked rib,” said McLellan after Friday’s practice.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "He's got cracked ribs. Upper body injury. Cracked rib," said McLellan after Friday's practice.

Nugent-Hopkins was injured in the second period of last Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.

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READ MORE: Darnell Nurse the hero again as Edmonton Oilers win in Vegas

He was hit hard by Knights defenceman Brayden McNabb and left the game.

After the game, McLellan believed Nugent-Hopkins would be able to play Saturday when the Oilers come out of their bye week against the Vancouver Canucks.

READ MORE: Edmonton Oilers place Nugent-Hopkins on IR; recall Pakarinen 

However, the Oilers placed him on injured reserve on Thursday.

Nugent-Hopkins was on pace for career highs, having racked up 16 goals and 31 points in 46 games so far this season.