Oilers' Smith to start Tuesday after latest absence; Koskinen in COVID protocol

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith will be back in the crease soon after yet another stint on injured reserve.

Smith will start against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night after missing the last eight games with a thumb ailment, he told reporters Monday, including The Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman.

The Oilers activated the soon-to-be 40-year-old off IR earlier Monday. He was a full participant in practice and served as the No. 1 netminder during the session.

Mike Smith working in the starter's net this afternoon. He's also sporting a nice new set of gear. pic.twitter.com/rkVqcu6quX

- Tom Gazzola (@TomGazzola) February 7, 2022

Meanwhile, the Oilers placed goaltender Mikko Koskinen in COVID-19 protocol on Monday.

Smith has been limited to six appearances this season due to injuries. He last played on Jan. 5, and eight days later, the club said it expected him to miss one-to-two weeks. The veteran also got hurt in late October, had a setback in November, then landed on long-term IR before returning in late December.

The Oilers signed Smith to a two-year deal at a $2.2-million cap hit in July.

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