Sad news: Connor McDavid rushed to hospital in severe pain after game with Golden – Fans pray for his speedy recovery. Full story 

Now the Edmonton Oilers are left in a kind of chaotic mess to end the season with two of their biggest stars missing. Although Leon Draisaitl will return this week, Connor McDavid’s lower-body injury will last longer than expected. Thus, major adjustments will have to be made for the Oilers to stay competitive through the playoffs with these irreplaceable, game-changing key players missing.

Connor McDavid hurt his lower body last Thursday during the team’s dramatic overtime loss to Winnipeg. Leon Draisaitl picked up another concerning undisclosed injury while dominating the Utah Hockey Club. Both were originally penciled in for at least a week’s absence, but coach Kris Knoblauch has confirmed that McDavid’s recovery time will be extended.

Draisaitl is already back in his skates as optimism grows that he will return to the lineup during the Oilers’ upcoming road trip. Meanwhile, McDavid’s absence certainly creates a monumental, devastating gaping hole since he is one of the league’s top point producers, sitting at 90 points in 63 games. Draisaitl holds 101 points in 68 games, making him just as pivotal and influential valuable to the Oilers’ offensive success.

Besides the glaring absences of McDavid and Draisaitl, the Oilers are saddled with other injury issues. Forward Trent Frederic, a key addition at the trade deadline, is still recovering from a nagging and frustrating ankle injury and may not return until the final week of the regular season. And while Evander Kane continues to progress after surgeries on his hip and knee that have kept him shelved all season, he is not expected to return until the playoffs. These injuries have forced the Oilers into unexpected and difficult lineup changes and have relied on depth players in the absence of their stars.
While Leon Draisaitl may very well return soon, Connor McDavid’s prolonged absence is a devastating sore sight for the Oilers. Their postseason hopes rest upon both superstars being in full force, and therefore, absolute patience and caution must be exercised to ensure they are fit for the big moments. The team has to stick together, adjust the game plan, and count on depth to keep the momentum going until the superstar duo returns. With the crucial and defining stretch run ahead, it seems best for the Oilers to ensure long-term success rather than short-term gain.