Oilers' Eberle out 4-6 weeks with shoulder injury

The Edmonton Oilers will be without Jordan Eberle for four-to-six weeks after the winger suffered a shoulder injury during Tuesday's preseason game against the Arizona Coyotes, the club announced.

"I went to the bench because I knew something was wrong right away," Eberle said Thursday. "Better to happen now than later in the season.

"I'm going to make sure I'm ready to go, jump in and make an impact right away," Eberle added, saying he hopes to start skating in a couple weeks.

The Oilers are set to open their regular-season schedule against the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 8, meaning Eberle could miss up to 16 games if he's indeed out for the full six weeks.

The 25-year-old has averaged 27 goals per 82 games since entering the league in 2010.

The injury could open up a spot for Nail Yakupov or Leon Draisaitl, either of whom could join Teddy Purcell as the club's top right wingers.