There is growing anticipation in Edmonton Oilers about when captain Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will return to the ice, as both players were injured a few days ago in the 2024-25 NHL season. The wait is becoming lengthy, and the question remains whether both players will be able to take the ice on Saturday night for the game against the Seattle Kraken.
McDavid suffered a lower-body injury after a collision with defenseman Josh Morrissey in Thursday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets. McDavid did not return to the game after the second period and underwent an MRI to assess the severity of the injury.
McDavid’s absence creates a critical situation for the Oilers, as star Draisaitl sustained an injury during Edmonton’s win against the Utah Hockey Club after getting tangled up with defenseman Olli Maatta in the second period. Although the center finished the game, he was later considered day-to-day and did not participate in Wednesday’s practice or the game against the Jets.
The latest update on McDavid and Draisaitl’s injuries
The latest update provided by Sportsnet.com indicates that McDavid and Draisaitl are out for Saturday night’s game against the Kraken. Head coach Kris Knoblauch says both players are expected to miss at least a week, meaning they will likely miss Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Stars and next Thursday’s game against Seattle as well.
The impact of McDavid and Draisaitl’s injuries
The absence of both Edmonton stars presents a significant challenge for the team in the upcoming games as they aim to win the Pacific Division. Offensively, Draisaitl is a key player, leading the NHL with 49 goals and accumulating 101 points this season.
McDavid, on the other hand, also represents a significant loss for the Oilers during a series of crucial regular season games. The 28-year-old forward has played 63 games so far this season, contributing 90 points with 26 goals and 64 assists.