Edmonton Oilers Roster is Battling a Sickness Bug in The Locker Room: Defensemen Unable to Play

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Ryan Hall
February 16, 2023 (7:06)

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Every season, numerous NHL teams report that either a flu bug or another illness will sweep through the dressing room. Now it seems that the Edmonton Oilers are facing the same problem. According to Jason Gregor, Vincent Desharnais was not on the ice for practice as he is fighting off an illness.

This will mean that the Oilers will ice 12 forwards and six defensemen for their next game. Currently, the Oilers have lost approximately 250-man games due to injuries or illness. This puts them in the top third of the league and they're still in a playoff spot.

Leon Draisaitl also reportedly played through an illness in last nights loss against the Detroit Red Wings, as well as Evander Kane.

The Oilers currently have 28 games remaining this season, they have a record of 30-19-5 with 65 points. They currently hold the first wildcard spot in the Western Conference and have a four-point lead on Calgary and a nine-point lead on Nashville.

Once the trade deadline passes and hopefully general manager Ken Holland will make the moves that are necessary so the Oilers can remain healthy and possibly put the Oilers within striking distance of the Vegas Golden Knights for the division lead.

We should note that the Oilers are only three points behind Vegas with no games in hand.

The Oilers will be at home to face the Rangers on Friday, February 17th and game time will be at 9:00 PM eastern.