Viktor Arvidsson is close to returning to the lineup for the Edmonton Oilers after participating in the morning skate this morning. He filled in for Evan Bouchard during the skate, who was taking a maintenance day. Arvidsson has been sidelined since early November due to an undisclosed lower-body injury. He was considered day-to-day by Head Coach Kris Knoblauch, but was placed on Injured Reserve and has missed fifteen straight games.
There is a possibility that Arvidsson will suit up for Thursday’s game against the Boston Bruins at Rogers Place. When he returns, he will likely start on the fourth line to help him regain his conditioning, hoping he can eventually contribute alongside Draisaitl’s line later in the season. So far this season, Arvidsson has recorded two goals and three assists for five points in sixteen games.
Playing it safe with Arvidsson seems to be the best strategy for ensuring success this season. I believe he can provide valuable secondary scoring come playoff time, but his challenge lies in staying healthy. Injuries have been recurring throughout his ten-year NHL career, which began in 2014. In 2021, while with the LA Kings, he only played two playoff games due to a back injury that required surgery. It also caused him to miss most of the 2021-2022 season. Hopefully, he can remain healthy for the rest of this season; many fans are understandably concerned about his future health.
