The Edmonton Oilers are experiencing great highs amid a three-game win streak in the NHL, which has them closing in on the top position in the Pacific Division. However, Connor McDavid and the squad will take on their biggest, and true, test as they take on the league-leading, Winnipeg Jets at home in Rogers Place. Ahead of a pivotal meeting, the team learned concerning news, though there is a silver lining.
The Oilersâ season hasnât been consistent as the organization wouldâve hoped for coming into the year. However, their efforts have been sufficient and, barring a disaster, they should punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the 2024-25 NHL campaign.
Regardless, many lingering issues remain within the locker room led by stars McDavid and Draisaitl. Goaltending remains the biggest concern, as it has been for as long as fans in Alberta can remember. However, the defense seems to have found its footing, and with Jake Walmanâs addition, they look stronger heading into the postseason.
Draisaitl has been the best player on the ice for the Oilers all season long. So far in the season, the German star registers 101 points, thanks to his 49 goals and 52 assists, which rank first and eighth on the league, respectively. However, ahead of the trial by fire against the Jets, head coach Kris Knoblauch handed McDavid and the team troubling news.
Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on March 14, 2025 in Elmont, New York.
âKris Knoblauch announces Leon Draisaitl is doubtful tonight against Winnipeg, is considered day-to-day,â NHL insider Elliotte Friedman stated on his X account.
see also
NHL News: Oilers defenseman Jake Walman makes heartfelt confession about playing with Connor McDavid
Silver lining
While Draisaitlâs potential absence could turn huge for the Oilers during their matchup with the juggernaut, Jets, there is a positive takeaway for McDavid and Knoblauch.
Evander Kane returned to the ice, joining his teammates for the first time after undergoing a knee surgery on January 2025. Kaneâs timeline is still unknown, but his participation during Edmontonâs morning practice is a good indicator of where he currently stands in his recovery.
Evander Kane #91 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up before a game against the before the game against the Dallas Stars in Game Six of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on June 02, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Kane wonât be rushed back on the lineup, and the primary focus for Knoblauch and his staff will be to get him as healthy as possible for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. All the eyes in Edmonton are set on the Cup. Fortunately, their upcoming tilt with the Jets, will help paint a better picture of where the Oilers stand heading to the postseason.
