Darnell Nurse is set to return soon after he was taken out of action thanks to a huge hit from Ryan Reaves on Nov. 16. In the few games he missed, the Edmonton Oilers may have learned they aren't equipped to handle someone of his importance going down.

Nurse was hit by Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves 2:41 into the second period of a 4-3 overtime loss. Reaves received a five-minute major for checking to the head and was suspended five games by the NHL Department of Player Safety on Sunday.

The Oilers are anticipating defenseman Darnell Nurse, who has been absent after Ryan Reaves' dirty headshot, to play on Saturday night.

As injuries begin mounting a quarter of the way into the season, the Edmonton Oilers were hoping to get Darnell Nurse back in the lineup Saturday against the visiting New York Rangers. The veteran blueliner missed the previous three games after taking a vicious hit to the head from Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves on Saturday.

The Oilers defenceman was helped off the ice vs. the Maple Leafs after taking a hit to the head from Ryan Reaves.

The Edmonton Oilers could be without one of their top defenders when they take on the New York Rangers at Rogers Place. Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed after Saturday’s morning skate that Evan Bouchard is a game-time decision with a 50-50 chance of playing.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse will be sidelined five to 10 days after taking a shot to the head from Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves over the weekend.