Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will spend a week strengthening his shoulder in Edmonton before deciding on his status for the upcoming World Junior Championship in Russia.
It’s not clear what exactly is wrong with the 19-year-old’s shoulder. He had it examined Monday, but the Oilers say they can’t comment, citing the lockout.
Nugent-Hopkins has played 19 games for the Oilers’ AHL affiliate in Oklahoma City during the NHL lockout.
The first overall pick in the 2011 draft has never participated in the world juniors; he was a late cut by Team Canada in 2010 and was in the NHL last year.
Related: Nugent-Hopkins, MacKinnon notable Team Canada junior camp invitees