Yahoo Sports Kris Knoblauch Reveals Viktor Arvidsson Injury Update
The news continues to trickle slowly on the injured Viktor Arvidsson.
Out since November 13th with an undisclosed injury probably sustained against the New York Islanders, Arvidsson's injury timetable has been an ongoing mystery. Originally expected to be out day-to-day, Arvidsson has now missed 11 games and hasn't skated with the team at all during that span.
But we now know something: he's skating. He was out on the ice before Oilers practice on Monday, and Kris Knoblauch confirmed as much after practice.
"He's been skating and feeling better," Knoblauch told the media. "He's not going to play immediately."
"We're hoping he starts practicing with the team this week," the Oilers' head coach added.
As if he needed any more incentive to make a quick return, Arvidsson now has to prove he's healthy for February's 4 Nations Face-Off. He was named to Sweden's roster on December 4th in a slightly surprising move, joining fellow Oiler Mattias Ekholm.
While he's clearly expected to be back before then, there's no guarantee he stays healthy. Arvidsson has a long injury history, including missing all but 18 games for the Los Angeles Kings last season.
He'll have a lot to prove when he rejoins the Oilers' lineup, as well. He was struggling to produce before his injury, with just 5 points in 16 games despite being stapled to Leon Draisaitl's right side.
He's capable of more, but he'll have to show it. His usual spot on the second line has been filled by Kasperi Kapanen, who essentially operates as a lower-end copy of Arvidsson: fast and tenacious with a little skill. The spot should be Arvidsson's as soon as he's back, but it's no sure thing.
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