Nugent-Hopkins sent to AHL, Yakupov to juniors

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the first player taken in the 2011 NHL Draft, and Jordan Eberle, Edmonton's top scorer last season, were among 26 players sent by the Edmonton Oilers to their AHL farm team, the Oklahoma City Barons, on Saturday.

First-round picks Magnus Paajarvi, Alex Plante and Colten Teubert were also sent to Oklahoma City, as was defenseman Justin Schultz, a free-agent signing by the Oilers this summer.

In addition, the Oilers returned Nail Yakupov, the first player taken in the 2012 NHL Draft, to his junior team, the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League.

Also sent down were Cameron Abney, Mark Arcobello, Tyler Bunz, Dane Byers, Philippe Cornet, Yann Danis, Brandon Davidson, Taylor Fedun, Curtis Hamilton, Teemu Hartikainen, Tanner House, Anton Lander, Martin Marincin, Ryan Martindale, Kristians Pelss, Tyler Pitlick, Toni Rajala, Olivier Roy, Antti Tyrvainen and Chris VandeVelde.

The Oilers also returned defenseman David Musil to the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League.