As the team currently has six days between games, it's likely just a maintenance day for the two players. That being said, taking the day off does indicate that they're nursing an aggravating injury, but something that's not enough to keep them out of the lineup.
If either of these two are unable to play against Carolina this Wednesday, the Oilers will be forced to call a player up from the minors. Thankfully, the Oilers have a number of defensive depth pieces including Slater Koekkoek, Jason Demers, and Phillip Broberg. Unfortunately though, they'd have a harder time adequately replacing Evander Kane.
Hopefully for the Oilers and their fans, both players will be available against Carolina and are benefitting from the rest day. As they're just seeming to turn around their season, losing these two key players could slow their momentum.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 3 | 189 ANSWERS Two Oilers stars missing from practice with unexpected injuries Who would you like to see called up if someone is hurt? | ||
Phillip Broberg | 49 | 25.9 % |
Jason Demers | 30 | 15.9 % |
Slater Koekkoek | 62 | 32.8 % |
Someone else | 48 | 25.4 % |
List of polls |