Nikita Nikitin has been diagnosed with back spasms and will likely undergo an MRI.

Nikitin has been diagnosed with back spasms and will likely undergo an MRI.

Analysis:

Nikitin was held out of Monday's contest due to the back issue and would seem unlikely to suit up when the Oilers take the ice again Wednesday versus the Predators. Brad Hunt is expected to take Nikitin's spot in the lineup until the injured blueliner is cleared to return.