Mattias Janmark returns from LTIR and contributes to Oilers loss
By Paul Taylor
Mattias Janmark returned to the Edmonton Oilers lineup on Wednesday night, after missing the last 10 games due to a shoulder injury which sent him to LTIR.
There was quite a bit of shuffling to the lines for Wednesday night’s game in Carolina. This included the return of Mattias Janmark to the Oilers lineup.
As per the team, Janmark was placed on the third line alongside the Ryan Brothers, aka Ryan McLeod and Derek Ryan. He had missed the previous 10 games, due to a shoulder injury which sent him to long-term injured reserve (LTIR).
The 30-year-old had only been placed on LTIR a week earlier. However, it was retroactive to Oct. 26 when he suffered his injury, hence why he was cleared to return on Wednesday.
Janmark was understandably excited about being back with the team. Speaking to the media ahead of the game in Carolina, he said:
"“It’s been a long time, probably the longest I’ve missed inside of a year in my career, so (I’m) pumped to be back. Obviously it’s been tough to be out for that long, so I’m hoping to bring my best tonight.”"
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Unfortunately for everyone concerned, Janmark’s return did little to help the team, as they lost 6-3 to the Hurricanes. Of note as one of the best defensive forwards on the team, he had a -2 plus/minus rating on the night. (Not that we’re attaching blame to him for the goals allowed when he was on the ice per se.)
The Stockholm, Sweden native is one of four Oilers forwards to have no points yet this season. Through eight games he has a -4 plus/minus rating, as well as an average ice time of 12:49.
This ice time is down from Janmark’s career average of 15:15. Also, while not a prolific offensive weapon, he is usually good for 20+ points per season, thus highlighting his struggles so far in 2023-24.
Next. 3 Takeaways from debilitating 6-3 loss in Carolina. dark
In this respect, the 2013 third round draft pick is like so many on this team, not playing up to his capabilities. Just a minor improvement from him and his teammates, could make all the difference in any attempts to turn the Oilers’ season around.