Shoulder sidelines Nugent-Hopkins for at least a week

Edmonton Oilers rookie center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins told the media on Tuesday afternoon that the shoulder injury he suffered on Monday in a loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, which will keep him sidelined at least a week, is unrelated to his previous shoulder ailment.

Nugent-Hopkins, who returned to action on Saturday after being out of the lineup with a non-related shoulder injury since Jan. 2, was hit by Toronto's Mike Brown and ultimately sent to the dressing room in the third period for precautionary reasons.

According to the Oilers, Nugent-Hopkins will be sidelined 7-10 days with a sprained shoulder.

"He's obviously a solid guy, but we were both going for the puck and just collided … landed shoulder on shoulder," Nugent-Hopkins said. "I could feel it as soon as I got hit. My shoulder kind of dropped and I could feel it.

"It's the same area, it's the same shoulder, but it's a new thing on top."

Nugent-Hopkins, who has 13 goals and 35 points in 40 games, is still considered a leading candidate for the Calder Trophy this season. He still leads all first-year players in assists (22) and points.

"It could be frustrating and disappointing, but [Monday] I wasn't too happy," Nugent-Hopkins said. "I just try and stay positive through it all and keep same attitude."

The decision to sit Nugent-Hopkins came Tuesday after doctors re-examined the team's No. 1 pick from the 2011 Draft.

With Nugent-Hopkins back on the shelf, Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini recalled left-winger Magnus Paajarvi from the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League. Paajarvi, 20, was assigned to Oklahoma City on Jan. 24 and had 10 points in 14 games with the Barons. In 33 games with the Oilers this season, he has 4 assists.

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