Benoit Pouliot: Placed on injured reserve Saturday

Pouliot (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

Analysis:

Pouliot's lower-body ailment is apparently more serious than initially expected. The 29-year-old winger will be eligible to return to action Wednesday against the Sharks, although a return to the Oilers' lineup for that contest seems like an overly optimistic expectation at this point in time. Recently recalled Ryan Hamilton will replace the former first-round pick on Edmonton's 23-man roster during his absence. The Oilers should announce Pouliot's activation from injured reserve once he is fit to play.