Gagner, Kadri To Miss Some Time

Edmonton Oilers head coach Tom Renney announced on Tuesday that forward Sam Gagner will be out week-to-week with a sprained ankle.

Gagner suffered the blow in the second period of Saturday night’s game against the Calgary Flames as he was hit into the boards by Brendan Mikkelson. According to the Edmonton Journal Gagner left the game in a protective boot.

The young team is depending on the 22 year old this season, who posted 15 goals and 42 points with a -17 rating in 68 games, his second best season after his rookie year. Through four seasons with the club he looks to be a key piece to the puzzle that is rebuilding Edmonton.

While the severity of the injury isn’t great, the sprain is often times a bugger of an injury.

Nazem Kadri, too, has suffered a sprained knee in a wild game against the Ottawa Senators. His injury appears as though it may be a bit more serious.

“It was kind of a freak accident,” Kadri said. “I was on the backcheck and ended up running into the end boards. I kind of caught my left knee a little bit funny but I don’t think it’s something I am going to be too worried about.
“As far as I know it’s just a strain,” Kadri said. “It really feels that way even though it’s still pretty tight. I am sure over the next couple of days it will loosen up and I can get back on the ice.”

Kadri underwent an MRI and according to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, the injury will keep him out of the Leafs' lineup for 3 to 4 weeks.

Kadri has been clamoring to make the Leafs roster after failing to do so last season. The 2009 7th overall pick of the Leafs has looked more sharp this pre-season, having netted two goals thus far.

In 29 games last year Kadri tallied 3 goals and 9 assists for 12 points and a -3 rating. It is unknown if in fact Kadri makes the team for this season, but with a smart and talented GM at the helm in Brian Burke and a top notch coach in Doug Wilson, the right decision will surely be made for the benefit of the rebuilding franchise, and for the 20 year old Kadri himself.

- Kendall Grubbs