Oilers lose another star centreman, update on all injuries at practice before facing St. Louis Blues

Reports had suggested that today's game was the original target for Connor McDavid's return to the ice, but unfortunately, it looks like that plan has changed.

The good news is that the Oilers did see a slew of players return to practice with the team. Connor McDavid and Evander Kane have continued practicing, but Mattias Ekholm, Stuart Skinner, and Leon Draisaitl returned to practice today.

Unfortunately, even though all of those players have returned to practice and got into line rushes, none of them will be available in tonight's game.

In addition, Trent Frederic and John Klingberg remained off the ice and unavailable. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will also draw out of the lineup tonight will illness.

With Nugent-Hopkins out and no other players ready to return to play, the Oilers will insert Noah Philp into the lineup and still will be playing down a man - with 11 forwards and 6 defenceman.

For tonight's game, the Oilers injured list includes $42M of salary - or around half of the entire salary cap.

The best news possible though, is that Knoblauch confirmed that all injured players will be back for the playoffs. That may indicate they're being extra cautious with some injuries, just to make sure everyone's fully healthy when it matters.

Tonight's game against St. Louis will likely be even more of a mess than the effort against the Anaheim Ducks. Hopefully, the Oilers supporting cast can at least continue to build some momentum.