The Edmonton Oilers’ early-season struggles continue to mount. After dropping their season opener to Calgary in the Battle of Alberta, the franchise absorbed another blow heading into Saturday’s matchup with Vancouver.
Newly acquired center Jack Roslovic won’t be in the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Canucks. While the reason remains murky, it’s not injury-related. Here’s everything you need to know about Roslovic’s status before puck drop.
What Happened to Jack Roslovic?
Edmonton acquired Roslovic earlier this week to add depth down the middle. Fans were eager to see the 6’1″ center make his Oilers debut Saturday. Instead, they’ll have to wait, as the 28-year-old needs more time to get up to speed with the team’s systems.
Insider Jim Matheson broke the news Saturday morning. “Roslovic will play sometime on the upcoming 5-game Eastern trip, but not tomorrow vs. Canucks. Walman is not cleared, so he will stay on IR,” he posted on X.”
Head coach Kris Knoblauch clarified that health isn’t the issue. Roslovic simply needs time to absorb the playbook. “There are some extra meetings, pretty much catching him up,” Knoblauch explained.
“Everything that he missed during training camp. No matter what, when we get a player in October or maybe at the deadline in March, they have to catch up on what we’re doing with our systems,” Knoblauch added.
While Roslovic sits out for system familiarization, other Oilers will miss Saturday’s game with actual injuries. The mounting absences could test Edmonton’s depth early in the season.
Canucks vs. Oilers Injury Report
Both Edmonton and Vancouver limp into Saturday’s matchup depleted by injuries. Defenseman Jake Walman remains sidelined for the Oilers, while forward Mattias Janmark sits on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury.
The biggest blow remains Zach Hyman, who landed on long-term injured reserve earlier this week and will miss the entire season. With Hyman out, head coach Knoblauch plans to reunite Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the top line, with Trent Frederic filling the right wing spot.
Defenseman Darnell Nurse is also battling a fever but is expected to play through it, according to Matheson. Vancouver faces its own injury crisis entering the matchup. Their biggest absence is left winger Nils Hoglander, who suffered an ankle injury during a preseason game against Calgary.
The 24-year-old underwent surgery and faces an eight to 10-week recovery timeline. On the other hand, D-men Pierre-Olivier Joseph and Guillaume Brisebois also remain sidelined.
The head coach indicated Joseph’s injury is minor. He should return soon, while Brisebois underwent surgery in September for a lower-body injury and faces a longer recovery. He isn’t expected back until November at the earliest.
Defenseman Jett Woo is also recovering from upper-body surgery and remains week-to-week. Vancouver’s injury woes extend to forward Teddy Blueger, who is also out with an undisclosed injury. Despite both teams fielding depleted rosters, fans remain eager for Saturday’s Pacific Division clash at Rogers Place.
Where To Watch Oilers vs. Canucks Tonight
While both the Oilers and Canucks face significant injury concerns heading into tonight’s game, fans are set for a thrilling matchup. In Canada, live broadcasts are available on Sportsnet and CBC, with streaming options on Sportsnet+ and TVAS.
Vancouver’s games are also carried nationally on Amazon Prime Video, while Oilers fans can listen to the radio broadcast on 880 CHED.
For American viewers, the game will be streamed live on ESPN+ and available through TV streaming packages like Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. Limited radio coverage will be available on SiriusXM.
