Decision on RNH’S shoulder to be made on weekend
Edmonton Oilers centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins said Thursday that his left shoulder “feels good” and the treatment he’s getting this week with team medical trainer T.D. Forss is “precautionary stuff.”
Nugent-Hopkins has been invited to Canada’s world junior evaluation camp, which begins Monday in Calgary, but his ailing shoulder situation has left his participation up in the air.
“The decision will be made by this weekend ... I’ll keep doing the rehab and checkups,” Nugent-Hopkins told Sportsnet at Rexall Place on Thursday.
The 19-year-old Burnaby, B.C., product left the Oklahoma City Barons, the Oilers’ American Hockey League affiliate, for Edmonton to get treatment during a weeklong break in their schedule.
He made no secret of his desire to play in the world junior championship, which starts on Boxing Day in Ufa, Russia, and runs until Jan. 5.
“You grow up in Canada, watching the world junior at Christmas. I’ve never had the opportunity to play in it,” said Nugent-Hopkins, who was cut when he was 17 in his first attempt at making Canada’s national junior team.
After the Oilers drafted him first overall in the 2011 entry draft, he made the NHL club immediately. Nugent-Hopkins didn’t play in the world junior tournament that was held in Edmonton and Calgary last December and early January.
“I want to make sure I’m 100 per cent healthy before I make my decision (to attend the camp). I’ve just been having checkups and other stuff around the rink. I’m doing pretty good,” he said.
The Oilers know NugentHopkins’ preference is to play in the worlds rather than stay in Oklahoma City, but they will not give him the thumbs-up unless his shoulder, which was separated in a game last season, gets medical clearance.
“I’m doing pretty good.” OILERS CENTRE RYAN NUGENT- HOPKINS
Team Canada officials envision Nugent-Hopkins being their first-line centre, flanked by Jonathan Huberdeau, the Florida Panthers’ 2011 first-round pick, and Mark Scheifele, the Winnipeg Jets’ Round 1 selection in 2011.
There is a solid chance that Nugent-Hopkins would also be Canada’s captain if he’s given the green light to participate.