After missing 21 games with a fractured fibula, @Edmonton Oilers defenceman, Adam Larsson , is expected to make his return to the lineup for Thursday night’s game against the @Los Angeles Kings after seven weeks on the injured reserve.

Adam Larsson plans to play Thursday. “I’ve been out long enough. It sucks for me, but the guys have played great. I’m excited to play and looking at Thursday,” said Larsson. — Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) November 18, 2019

The 2019-20 season started about as poorly as could be imagined for Adam Larsson as the shutdown defenceman ended his first game with a fractured fibula after blocking a shot in the first period. Amazingly, Larsson somehow finished that game despite the crack in his bone, but, understandably, hasn’t played a moment since. Initially, I think a lot of us were rattled and concerned about how the Oilers’ defence would hold up without Larsson, but after seeing how they’ve weathered the storm, I now feel like getting him back is going to be a nice little upgrade for a back end that has been playing reasonably well.

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Larsson, known for his physical play and shutdown style, will likely slot in beside Oscar Klefbom in his first game back but, admittedly, that’s purely speculation on my part. Obviously, it’s going to take him some time to get back up to speed after missing a month and change since the injury, and it will be interesting to watch how Tippett deploys him and in what situations. Either way, I think many of us would agree that having Larsson in over someone like Persson will likely be an upgrade on the defensive side of the puck, and I look forward to seeing what he can do upon his return. Gord speed, sir. Welcome back.

ADAM LARSSON’S OILERS CAREER SO FAR

Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM +/- PGP G A Pts PIM 2016-17 Edmonton Oilers NHL 79 4 15 19 55 21 13 2 4 6 4 2017-18 Edmonton Oilers NHL 63 4 9 13 34 10 — — — — — 2018-19 Edmonton Oilers NHL 82 3 17 20 44 -28 — — — — — 2019-20 Edmonton Oilers NHL 1



