Andrew Ference sustained a right arm injury during Sunday’s preseason game and was shut down as a result, per the Edmonton Oilers.
Oilers fans will now have to hope that the injury isn’t serious. In addition to being the team’s captain, Ference is also a key part of the team’s defense. Edmonton did take steps to bolster their blueline over the summer by adding Keith Aulie, Mark Fayne, and Nikita Nikitin, but the absence of Ference would still create a significant void.
Ference, 35, was signed by the Oilers in the summer of 2013 to a four-year, $13 million contract. He brought a wealth of playoff experience to the young team as he reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2004 and 2013 and helped the Boston Bruins win it all in 2011.
He had three goals and 18 points in 71 contests last season while averaging 21:03 minutes per game.