Oilers’ Nugent-Hopkins expected to play vs. Wild, Pickard starts in net

Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is expected to play against the Minnesota Wild on Friday night, head coach Kris Knoblauch said.

The 30-year-old missed Wednesday’s 6-5 OT loss against the Boston Bruins with an illness, but was back on the ice for the Oilers’ optional skate Friday morning.

Calvin Pickard is the confirmed starting goalie for Edmonton, while the top line from last game — Warren Foegele, Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman — will remain together.

After a career year last season that saw Nugent-Hopkins collect 104 points, he has 15 goals and 34 assists for 49 points in 52 games this season.

Nugent-Hopkins was the first-overall selection by the Oilers in the 2011 NHL Draft and has played his entire 13-year career in Edmonton.

You can watch the Oilers take on the Wild live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.