When the Edmonton Oilers signed Viktor Arvidsson at the beginning of free agency, it was seen as a welcome addition. It was also one that came at a very reasonable price of two-years and $8 million, for a player expected to contribute in the top-six.
At the same time however, the signing did come with a warning of sorts. More specifically, concerns and doubts about Arvidsson's ability to avoid injuries throughout his 10 seasons in the NHL, including being limited to 18 games last season for the Los Angeles Kings due to a back issue.
Unfortunately for everyone involved, these concerns and doubts began to come fruition, when it was announced mid-November that the 31-year-old was out with an undisclosed injury. At the time he was listed as day-to-day, but in reality we should have know better, just based on his history.
A worrying update about Arvidsson
Subsequent updates saw the absence turn from days to weeks, as Arvidsson was moved to injured reserve. Now, he's missed nine consecutive games and if the latest update is any indication, he's not going to be back anytime soon.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch provided the injury update to the media on Thursday, ahead of the home game versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. He said:
"I don’t have a timeline. It’s obviously gone on longer than we anticipated. We thought it was just a couple days off, rest, get back, and it hasn’t quite healed the way we assumed it would have. So right now I don't have a timeline for you. "
This is clearly not what anyone wants to hear, about an injury which was initially assumed minor but has still not had the nature of it confirmed. We appreciate this is the frustrating norm in the NHL, but we're in a situation where there's more questions than answers at this point.
Yes, it's good news that Zach Hyman will be back in the lineup on Thursday night, but the lack of clarity surrounding his teammate leaves a bittersweet taste in the mouth. Arvidsson might have been selected for Sweden's 4 Nations Face-Off roster, but this doesn't provide much encouragement when his absence has been downgraded to indefinite.
Oilers need to consider their options
Another thing the Oilers may need to consider is using LTIR, particularly if Arvidsson doesn't respond positively to rest, rehab, etc, anytime soon. In the event this happens, it could be a cause for some more concern about how long he will continue to be out for.
Whenever the 2014 fourth round draft pick does return, there will then be the additional question of when he will rediscover his form from previous seasons? Prior to his current absence he had just five points in 16 games.
For some context, Arvidsson has averaged 40 points per season since becoming an NHL regular in his second season in 2015-16. Even last season he managed 15 points despite being limited to the aforementioned 18 games.
Of course first things first, the Oilers need to actually get the Swedish winger back on the ice before focusing on improving his production. Based on the latest update though, when that is remains a mystery for now.