Just when the Edmonton Oilers seemed to be reeling from the loss of Zach Hyman in the most critical series of the season, another major setback has emerged. With Game 3 fast approaching and the series now tied, head coach Kris Knoblauch has delivered a concerning update about Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

Nugent-Hopkins was absent from the Oilers’ practice session on Sunday due to an undisclosed injury. It was Jeff Skinner who took his place on the line alongside center Connor McDavid and right winger Connor Brown, who himself returned from injury in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final series.

While addressing the media on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ undisclosed injury, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said could not guarantee his participation in Game 3 on Monday. “We think (he’ll be available).” “We’ll play it by ear,” he added. Nugent-Hopkins has played both games in the Stanley Cup Final so far without any visible issues, logging in 25:45 minutes of ice time. However, if we are really digging, a closer look at the final minutes of the game could be the way to go about it.

Edmonton Journal‘s Kurt Leavins noticed that, towards the end of Game 2, it was Evander Kane who was taking care of faceoffs on Nugent-Hopkins’ line. Taking that into consideration, David Staples, also of Edmonton Journal wondered if that could indicate a wrist or a hand injury. Whatever the nature of the injury, Oilers fans aren’t exactly thrilled with the news.

Edmonton Oilers fans fuming over potential absence of RNH from Game 3

The uncertainty surrounding Ryan Nugent-Hopkins sparked a wave of responses on social media, particularly on X, where some users directed pointed questions at the franchise, demanding more transparency, while others expressed concern and offered prayers, hoping RNH would not be sidelined at such a critical moment. One fan voiced the collective frustration with a simple but telling question: “So, what’s wrong with him?”

And that’s why another fan turned to the heavens, pleading, “C’mon hockey gods! You can’t do us like this!!” Throughout the 2025 NHL playoffs, RNH has been a consistent performer with 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) and a plus-6 rating, no less. One particularly heartbroken fan even commented, “Thanks for ruining my Sunday,” directed at the reporter who first broke the news after the practice session.

While many were praying and upset about RNH’s potential absence, one die-hard Oilers fan tried to stay optimistic, writing, “Fresh legs this deep in a Cup run isn’t bad. RNH is a huge gap, but we have depth. We’re fine.” However, this attempt at reassurance didn’t sit well with everyone. The unexpected nature of the news left many fans angry and on edge. One furious supporter expressed their frustration, saying, “Won’t be the last Oiler to miss time in this Final. Panthers are coming for that a—.” Well, only time will tell that.