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Oilers give McDavid and Draisaitl significant injury setbacks at the worst time
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers are playing with such a heavily depleted roster right now, and it will still be longer until they get their stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl back.
Connor McDavid was expected to make his return in tonight's game, especially after he unexpectedly joined the team's last road trip. Now, it looks like it's not good news for his health.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl returns delayed
McDavid has been at practice with the Oilers for the entirety of the road trip, and even moved out of a no contact jersey to a regular one, but Coach Knoblauch says he's still a week away.
It's an incredibly bizarre development for McDavid in particular, who last played nearly 3 weeks ago on March 20th.
He sustained an injury on an awkward cross check from Josh Morrissey, and is reported to be dealing with an abdominal problem.
At this time of year, it makes sense that the Oilers would play it safe with their injuries, and make sure their stars are fully rested before coming back to play. The priority is being healthy for the playoffs now.
However, it's not helpful when the organization isn't providing accurate timelines for injuries to star players. Fans surely want to see their favourite players in the lineup when they go to a game if they can play.
Connor McDavid is a player that always wants to be in the lineup, too. He wouldn't miss a game, especially with so many other players out, if he felt that he could play. For McDavid's timeline to be pushed back, he must be dealing with a serious problem.
Oilers will take on St. Louis Blues missing several star players
The Oilers injury list for tonight's game takes up nearly half of their entire salary cap. It won't be a pretty game tonight against a hot St. Louis Blues team.
Hopefully the Oilers supporting cast can survive at least in this game, avoid further injuries, and maybe build on something from the experience.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 9 | 700 ANSWERS Oilers give McDavid and Draisaitl significant injury setbacks at the worst time Do you think the Oilers will be fully healthy by the playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 362 | 51.7 % |
| No | 338 | 48.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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