NHL insider and Oilers coach reveal McDavid return date as end of season nears
Photo credit: Eric Hartline - USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers are still playing without their superstar Captain Connor McDavid, but it seems the team is exercising caution with an eye to the playoffs rather than rushing him back.
Initial reports after McDavid's injury suggested his condition may just be considered day to day, but the Oilers are clearly looking at a longer timeline now.
NHL insiders and Oilers coach hint at McDavid return date coming after road trip
In a recent piece for the Athletic, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported the Oilers weren't considering a McDavid return on their current road trip, but will expect him back before the end of the season.
The Oilers say they expect No. 97 back before the end of the regular season. More specifically, they don't expect him on this current road trip, which wraps up Monday night in Anaheim, but they are looking sometime within the last stretch of five games for his return. That's subject to change, but that's what I was hearing Tuesday.
- Pierre LeBrun
- Pierre LeBrun
That exact sentiment was echoed by Coach Kris Knoblauch at practice today, as the Oilers bench boss only mentioned Trent Frederic as a player who could possibly join the lineup on their road trip.
I would say the best possibility would be Frederic joining us on this road trip to play. Everybody else will not.
- Coach Knoblauch
- Coach Knoblauch
Being ruled out for the entire road trip, the earliest McDavid could be returning will be April 9th at home against the St. Louis Blues.
McDavid probably didn't need to take this road trip at all, but travelling and being with teammates is important this time of year.
Oilers being cautious with Connor McDavid's return from injury
Honestly, it's a complete positive that the Oilers are excercising great caution with McDavid's injury and allowing him to fully rest up before returning to play.
The Oilers don't want him coming back earlier to risk aggravating an issue, especially with the playoffs only weeks away.
Allowing McDavid to be fully healthy entering the playoffs gives the Oilers the best chance for him to dominate games and deliver Edmonton more series wins. With McDavid fully healthy, Draisaitl at an MVP pace, and trade deadline additions helping the team - the Oilers are in a great position to get back to the Cup Final and take care of business.
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AVRIL 3 | 522 ANSWERS NHL insider and Oilers coach reveal McDavid return date as end of season nears Do you think the Oilers are right to be cautious with McDavid now? | ||
| Yes | 505 | 96.7 % |
| No | 17 | 3.3 % |
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