Breaking: Major blow to the Oilers, forced to make a call-up from the AHL

The Edmonton Oilers were dealt a fairly significant blow this afternoon as they announced that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been placed on injured reserve.

The centreman was injured in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights right before the bye week began - taking a hit from Brayden McNabb. 

Initial viewing of the hit demonstrates shoulder to shoulder contact, but Nugent-Hopkins' head appears to snap back. It was initially feared that perhaps he suffered a concussion, but a report from TSN's Ryan Rishaug suggested otherwise.

So no concussion, but something serious enough to put him on injured reserve before the bye week even ends? The Oilers aren't back in action until Saturday, so clearly they felt he's not nearly close enough to a return, and were forced to clear a roster spot to bring up Iiro Pakarinen.

Nugent-Hopkins had shoulder issues earlier on in his career - a factor preventing him from developing into the player he was expected to be after being drafted 1st overall in 2011.

He's been having a solid season despite his team's overall struggles, and has been on of its few bright spots. It's unclear as of now how long he will be out, but this does not bode well for the team, or its dwindling hopes of making the playoffs this season.

Pakarinen has played 18 games for both the Oilers and the Bakersfield Condors, posting only 1 point on the NHL side and 13 in the AHL.

The Oilers take on the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday at 8pm.