NHL News: Nugent-Hopkins makes something clear regarding McDavid's absence after Oilers' win over Kraken

The Edmonton Oilers continue to march forward this season in the NHL, despite injury setbacks. Once again, Connor McDavid was sidelined during his team’s victory over the Seattle Kraken, and it was his teammate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins who made a sincere statement on this situation.

After the game, where Kris Knoblauch’s squad narrowly defeated their opponent 5-4, Nugent-Hopkins spoke to the press, emphasizing that despite the key absences, anyone who steps in to play has the full confidence and support of their teammates.

“We obviously believe in ourselves and our group no matter who’s in or out of the lineup,” he stated via NHL.com. “We understand that when you lose two of the best players in the world that you’re going to feel it. But I think the way that you play as a team shouldn’t matter too much who’s in and who’s out.

“Obviously, we want them in, of course, but I thought the guys did a great job of stepping up and playing our game.”

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins #93 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on March 14, 2025 in Elmont, New York.

After becoming the standout player in the game against Seattle, Nugent-Hopkins scored his fourth career hat-trick since entering the NHL, sealing a crucial victory that allows the Oilers to maintain their second-place standing in the Pacific Division.

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The current situation regarding McDavid’s injury

One of the league’s most important centers has been sidelined for several days, representing a significant loss for the Oilers. The big question now: Will he be able to return in the short term?

Connor McDavid sustained a lower-body injury following a hit from defenseman Josh Morrissey during Thursday’s matchup against the Winnipeg Jets. The Canadian player was unable to return after the second period and later underwent an MRI to evaluate the extent of the injury.

While there’s still no certainty about when McDavid will be able to return to the ice, Edmonton’s head coach initially predicted at least a week of inactivity, meaning he will also miss upcoming games against the Stars and once again against the Kraken.

Mattias Ekholm’s thoughts following the victory

Once again, Swedish defenseman Mattias Ekholm proved to be a key piece in the Oilers’ structure, helping secure another regular-season victory. After the game, he shared his satisfaction with securing yet another win.

“Whether it was [Jeff Skinner] or ‘Nuge’ scoring goals, or if it was guys on the fourth line stepping up and giving us some quality shifts, up and down the lineup, we did a good job,” Ekholm said. “It’s nice to see guys that don’t really usually get those minutes, maybe (play in) those certain situations, and they got them tonight, and they did a good job.”