Oilers coach confirms brutal injury news on four star players

Zach Hyman and Mattias Ekholm just returned last game after missing time with injury, and there could be a concern that they re-aggravated issues. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl being hurt is a bigger problem.

All four Oilers stars were absent from today's practice, and while speaking to the media afterward, Coach Knoblauch confirmed that all players may not play tomorrow's game against the Winnipeg Jets.

When star players miss a practice after playing, the assumption often is that they're just taking a maintenance day. Unfortunately, these absences actually do seem to be injuries.

Leon Draisaitl was shaken up during an awkward fall in last night's contest, but was able to keep playing. He clearly did tweak something, and the Oilers may just be cautious and hold him out to allow him to fully heal.

There was no apparent injury to Connor McDavid in the Oilers last game, but fans and media have been speculating the captain has been playing through an injury.

Unfortunately, it seems to have worsened as Draisaitl got hurt too. According to reporters at practice, all regular third liners were promoted to top six blue jerseys today.

The good news for these injuries is that they don't seem long term, but it is a significant concern that star players may be heading into the playoffs while playing hurt. Not only that, but fans heading to the game on Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets want to see their favourite players.

Hopefully these four stars can heal up quickly, and get back to the lineup as soon as possible.