Oilers receive discouraging injury update on key Connor McDavid teammate ahead of Stanley Cup Playoffs

With their sights set on clinching their spot in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers received a very concerning update on a key teammate’s injury status.

The Oilers need four more points to oficially secure their berth in the postseason, though they could also clinch their spot with some help from around the league. Regardless, the team in Edmonton shouldn’t have much difficulty, barring a disastrous ending to their regular season.

Injuries have taken its toll on the roster, however. McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, none other than the team’s two biggest stars, are currently inactive due to lingering health issues. However, both players are expected back somewhere along the final stretch of the season, or for the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The more concerning news for the locker room has to do with head coach Kris Knoblauch’s latest comment on Trent Frederic, who had just made his debut with the Oilers during their 3-0 loss to the L.A. Kings. Apparently, he was rushed onto the ice — and it came back to bite Edmonton.

Trent Frederic #11 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at TD Garden on February 22, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Ducks defeat the Bruins 3-2 in overtime.

“Immediate return is not going to happen,” Knoblauch stated about Trent Frederic’s recovery, via Sportsnet reporter Gene Principe. According to reports, Fredericwill be ready for the playoffs, as his previous injury “flared up“.

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Draisaitl back on the ice

While McDavid has yet to make his return to practices after sustaining a lower-body injury against the Winnipeg Jets on March 20, Draisaitl participated during the Oilers’ morning skate on April 7, signalling he could be trending towards a return. Draisaitl was injured during the team’s win over the San Jose Sharks on April 3.

It won’t be tonight in Anaheim, though. Instead, the Oilers will ride with a 11-forward and 6-defenseman lineup against the Ducks. If the Oilers win in regulation and the Flames lose to the Sharks in regulation, as well, Edmonton will oficially secure their place in the playoffs.