The Edmonton Oilers have announced that James Neal has been placed on the IR due to a foot injury. The 32-year-old forward has scored 19 goals and added 10 assists in 50 games for the Oilers this season.
Neal, who was acquired in a trade with the Calgary Flames for Milan Lucic, has had a nice bounce back year in Edmonton. He isn't scoring at the same pace he was early on in the season, but has still been a valuable piece, playing mostly in a top six role for the Oilers all year. Although he was just put on the injured reserve today, he hasn't played since January 29th because of the injury, so he is able to return whenever he is ready.
In a corresponding move, the Oilers also announced they have called up forward Tyler Benson from the Bakersfield Condors. Benson played in his first two NHL games this past week, recording no points and receiving less than 15 total minutes of ice time. With both Neal and Connor McDavid out, the Oilers could give Benson a bigger opportunity this time around, as they will need to get more depth scoring in order to stay alive in the playoff race. After a win against the Chicago Blackhawks last night, they find themselves just one point behind the Vancouver Canucks for first place in the Pacific Division.
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