McDavid's Injury Status: Oilers Star Likely to Return Before Season’s Conclusion

Connor McDavid is expected to return before the end of the regular season, despite not traveling with the Edmonton Oilers for the start of their upcoming four-game road trip, coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

McDavid, who is tied with Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets for sixth in the NHL with 90 points, has missed the last four games due to a lower-body injury sustained during a 4-3 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets on March 20. During his absence, the Oilers have gone 2-2-0.

"He might join us later on the trip, but not right now," Knoblauch said. "We have a rough idea of when he’ll return, but it’s not going to be the next game or two. We’re confident he’ll be back before the regular season ends, so we’re looking at one to two weeks, maybe three at most, because that’s all we have left in the season."

McDavid, with 26 goals and 64 assists in 63 games this season, also missed three games earlier this year due to an ankle injury suffered during a 6-1 loss at the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 28. He was also suspended for three games after a cross-checking incident involving Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland in a 3-2 loss on January 18.

“The most important thing is that he’s 100 percent healthy for the playoffs,” Knoblauch said. “It’s not that the regular season isn’t important, but we’re not in a position where we’re just waiting things out. We want him to be healthy and contributing, but we’re not going to rush anything that could make things worse.”

The Oilers (42-26-5) are currently third in the Pacific Division, two points behind the Los Angeles Kings (41-23-9).

Forward Leon Draisaitl, who ranks third in the NHL with 104 points, returned to the lineup for Edmonton on Saturday against the Calgary Flames after missing four games with an undisclosed injury. He scored the tying and winning goals, adding an assist, in a 3-2 overtime victory. Draisaitl sustained the injury during a 7-1 win over the Utah Hockey Club on March 18.

Draisaitl has 51 goals and 53 assists in 69 games and was the first player to reach 50 goals this season.

The Oilers' road trip begins Tuesday at the Vegas Golden Knights (10 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, SN1, TVAS), followed by games against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, the Kings on Saturday, and the Anaheim Ducks on April 7. Edmonton has nine games remaining in the regular season.

In addition to McDavid, the Oilers will start the trip without goalie Stuart Skinner (head injury), defensemen Mattias Ekholm (undisclosed), and John Klingberg (lower-body injury).

Forward Evander Kane, who is on long-term injured reserve due to a sports hernia and knee issues, is skating with the team and will travel. He is not expected to be activated until the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Forward Trent Frederic, who was acquired by Edmonton from the Boston Bruins as part of a three-team trade on March 6, will also travel, though he has yet to play a game for the Oilers.

Knoblauch acknowledged the challenges of managing injuries: “Every team goes through injuries, some more than others. Last year, we were fortunate with minimal injuries. Right now, this is as bad as it gets, with our two superstars out, possibly our best defenseman, and a number of other players missing. Worst-case scenario, those guys aren’t ready for the playoffs, but we’re lucky that, aside from Evander, everyone should be back before the regular season ends.”

McDavid, 28, is averaging 22:08 of ice time per game and has nine power-play goals this season, second only to Draisaitl (15). With him out, his minutes are being distributed among the remaining Edmonton forwards.

“We have to step up collectively as a group, and every guy has to elevate their play a little,” said Oilers forward Jeff Skinner. “I think we’ve done a good job overall. We have a lot of veterans who understand the situation and are ready to contribute as much as we can.”

The Oilers' regular season concludes at San Jose on April 16. They are currently nine points behind the Golden Knights for first place in the Pacific Division and would face the Kings in the first round if the standings hold.

Edmonton reached Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last season but lost 2-1 to the Florida Panthers.

“Everyone has been on teams where injuries happen, and when they do, other guys have to step up and take advantage of their opportunity,” Skinner said. “We obviously want McDavid back as soon as possible, but until then, we need to work together and step up.”