Ayrton Nikkel out two months

I made the mistake of mentioning my ongoing saga with the Oslanski-to-forward story on the live blog this weekend, so of course something happens that may keep Oslanski on defense again.

Everett learned it will be without defenseman Ayrton Nikkel for approximately two months because of a thumb finger injury. Nikkel suffered ligament damage during a fight with Prince George's Ryan Hanes in Saturday's 4-0 defeat and will undergo surgery. This is a tough break for Nikkel and the Tips. Nikkel is in his NHL draft year, and now he loses a couple months opportunity to show something to the scouts. Meanwhile, Everett loses a guy who's provided a physical presence at the back since arriving at the trade deadline.

With defenseman Austin Adam still sidelined because of a concussion, that means Oslanski will once again be drafted into defensive duty Tuesday night against Portland. And I'm thinking I'm tired of putting off the Oslanski feature.

Also on the injury front, winger Ryan Harrison suffered a concussion during the road trip and is out for Tuesday. Everett general manager Garry Davidson was hopeful both Adam and Harrison will be ready for the weekend.