Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland said on Thursday that No. 1 defenseman Oscar Klefbom could miss the entire 2020-21 NHL season.
"If he does have surgery, maybe it decides that he is out for [the 2020-21 season]," Holland said, per Tim Campbell of the league's official website.
"If we wouldn't have Oscar, it's a significant blow and I don't have any real answers on that right now."
Holland didn't disclose specifics about Klefbom's injury, but Campbell noted the 27-year-old has previously battled through shoulder problems.
The start date for the 2020-21 season, which is unknown at this time, will likely impact Klefbom's potential availability. It's believed games may not begin until January even though clubs can commence in-market voluntary training sessions on Oct. 15.
"What we do about it may depend on when the season starts," Holland explained. "If it's December, it's not a good thing. If it's February, that's three extra months. There's a lot of unknown."
Klefbom tallied five goals and 29 assists for 34 points in 62 regular-season games during the 2019-20 campaign.
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