3 key Oilers still absent from Captain's Skates in Edmonton
Photo credit: Tony Brar on X
The core group of Edmonton Oilers have returned to Rogers Place for Captain's Skates before training camp begins, but 3 key players are still absent.
Official training camp is now set to begin on September 17th, with the first preseason game following shortly after - but the Oilers are on the ice early in anticipation of a huge season.
3 key Edmonton Oilers absent from Captain's Skates before training camp
After the first few days of skates, a few star Oilers players have yet to appear. Zach Hyman is still out with injury, but Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evan Bouchard also haven't attended.
Zach Hyman's return date from injury is still unknown, but he's optimistic to return for the beginning of the regular season. However, there's been no injury concerns shared about Bouchard and Nugent-Hopkins.
Nuge suffered a broken hand in last year's playoffs, but was able to play through the injury and should be healthy now.
Bouchard also played through a severe injury, and there's been no reports of concern about his availability. It's possible both players are still nursing injuries, and needed the extra weeks to get back to full strength for on-ice sessions.
Evan Bouchard is also replacing McDavid at this year's NHL media event happening today, which could explain his absence from Captain's Skates.
UPDATE: Thankfully, Bouchard did arrive to Captain's Skates for the first time today.
Either way, both Nugent-Hopkins and Bouchard are expected to be healthy and ready to go for the 2025-26 season. Hopefully Hyman also gets the clearance to join them, and the Oilers can enter the year at full strength for a new push for the Stanley Cup.
TRENDING NOW
