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.

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

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.

Use precise geolocation data and actively scan device characteristics for identification. This is done to store and access information on a device and to provide personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. List of Partners (vendors)

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.

Darnell Nurse should be back soon from injury, but was his injury and absence a red flag for the Edmonton Oilers?