Serious doubts raised on Oilers organization's handling of multiple injuries

Mattias Ekholm made a surprising return to the lineup last night, and only played 1:52 of ice time before coming off and being ruled out for the season - leading fans to wonder how he was cleared to play in the first place.

It's not just Ekholm that experienced a major injury setback just after a return, either. Trent Frederic also appeared to re-injure himself seconds into his Oilers debut. Leon Draisaitl also returned from injury only to get hurt again on a routine play 3 games later.

These three incidents of players appearing to experience injury setbacks is enough of a pattern for fans to question the decision making from the organization.

The players would play through pain in the playoffs, but it's entirely different problem to enter the playoffs already limping. It looks like these players shouldn't have been cleared to return, and they re-aggravated their problems.

Trent Frederic is a mistake much more egregious on the organization. The Oilers paid a premium for double salary retention in the trade, and now it looks like he won't be able to return until after Game 1. Former Oiler Jason Demers said it was a failure on the organization.

NHL players also notoriously play through injuries just to be available in the playoffs, so it's very possible players conceal to what extent they're hurt, or insist on playing through the pain. Ekholm or Frederic both are clearly itching to play again.

Hopefully the Oilers can get healthier before Game 1, because otherwise, their health entering the playoffs is beginning to look like a major point of concern.