Season-ending surgery for Edmonton's Nugent-Hopkins

The first overall pick in 2011, 20-year-old Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has struggled with injuries. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

ByAllan Muir

A disappointing season is coming to an early end for Edmonton's Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will fly to Cleveland today to have his shoulder examined. Surgery is likely, will miss remainder of season.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 21, 2013

He could undergo the procedure as soon as Tuesday.

"We discussed it a little bit during the year," Nugent-Hopkins said of the surgery. "It's something that doesn't fix itself. It has to be taken care of. The plan was to get it done before the season ends so I'm recovered and good to go before next season."

The first overall pick in 2011 has dealt with shoulder problems in the past, going back to his junior days with the Red Deer Rebels. Although this injury has been bothering him for some time, it doesn't appear to be related to the shoulder issue that hampered him towards the end of his rookie season.

Here's audio of Nugent-Hopkins meeting with Edmonton media today to discuss his situation.

Taylor Hall