Darnell Nurse out up to 12 weeks after ankle surgery

Darnell Nurse underwent surgery to repair an ankle ligament as well as bone damage and will miss up to 12 weeks, Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli announced Monday.

The imposing defender has already been out six games.

Matthew Benning and Dillon Simpson have rotated in as the bottom pairing in Nurse's absence, since Mark Fayne and Eric Gryba are also listed on injured reserve.

With the exception of a short absence for Kris Russell, the Oilers' top four has stayed relatively healthy, but will be under tremendous pressure with now very little depth support.

The club is, however, expecting Brandon Davidson back soon.

Nurse, a former seventh overall draft pick, had three goals, five points, and 17 penalty minutes in 25 games before his injury.

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