Oilers lose Nugent-Hopkins for 5-6 weeks with cracked ribs

The Edmonton Oilers' season just went from bad to worse.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be out for five to six weeks due to an injury the club would only classify as an "upper body" ailment. Head coach Todd McLellan confirmed to reporters the issue is cracked ribs, according to Sportsnet's Mark Spector.

The 24-year-old forward left Saturday's win over the Vegas Golden Knights after being hit hard by defenseman Brayden McNabb.

Nugent-Hopkins leads the Oilers with 16 goals and ranks third with 31 points this season.

The Oilers have been on their bye week since last Saturday's victory but return to action this Saturday at home against the Vancouver Canucks.