It’s been four games, and Oilers fans have been left wondering—where in the hockey world is Connor McDavid? Just when the wait was starting to feel endless, NHL insiders finally tossed a bone to the hopefuls, hinting that the captain’s grand return was on the horizon. The 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast added fuel to the excitement, dropping a much-needed update on X. “The return of #LetsGoOilers Captain Connor McDavid is set for April 9th vs. the #STLBlues,” they announced, throwing in that he’d be tagging along on the team’s California road trip at the start of the month.
And just like that, Oilers Nation finally had a target date to pin their hopes on—though, of course, it was all still wrapped in that classic ‘rumored’ mystery. But wait, hold onto your sticks because this story isn’t skating in a straight line! Just when fans started mapping out their watch parties, NHL insiders threw in another curveball—a fresh update that shook things up after the comeback date had already been teased.
The 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast jumped on X on March 30th with the latest scoop of Connor McDavid revealing that after “a hard skate yesterday morning & a conversation with both the Oilers medical staff plus the team Connor works close with on his side,” a decision was made—McDavid won’t be hitting the road with the team just yet. Instead, he’s staying back to “work close with his trainer & the Oilers medical team.” So, no California road trip for the captain, but hey, if it means getting him back in peak form, Oilers Nation will take it.
Now, let’s talk about that return date—April 9th is still the magic number, “as long as there is no setbacks.” The Oilers had originally hoped McDavid could suit up a little earlier, maybe even face the LA Kings on April 5th, but they’re playing it smart, giving him more time to “heal, rest & recover.” No rush, no unnecessary risks—just making sure that when McDavid finally steps back on that ice, he’s not just back, but McDavid-level back.
Injury update on Connor McDavid:
After a hard skate yesterday morning & a conversation with both the Oilers medical staff plus the team Connor works close with on his side a decision has been made that he won’t travel with the team tomorrow & he will stay home to work close with… https://t.co/OztGYi2sOg
— 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast (@2MuttsHockeyPod) March 30, 2025
So, where’s all this McDavid drama coming from? McDavid, who’s currently tied with Mitch Marner for fifth in the NHL with 90 points, has been MIA for the past four games, nursing a lower-body injury he picked up in that heartbreaking 4-3 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets on March 20. And while the Oilers have been holding on for dear life in his absence, going 2-2-0, let’s be real—it’s just not the same without their captain lighting up the ice.
To make matters worse, this isn’t even his first setback this season! Remember when he missed three games after rolling his ankle in that brutal 6-1 beatdown against Columbus back on October 28? Yeah, this year’s been testing Edmonton’s patience big time. And now, let’s talk about the big question—are the Oilers’ playoff hopes still alive, or is this season about to take a nosedive?
Connor McDavid and the Oilers!
The Oilers have been hit hard by the injury bug, with both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl sidelined, leaving fans holding their breath. But according to Blackburn, there’s a silver lining—this stretch is a golden chance for other players to rise to the occasion and prove their worth. All season long, some of the bottom-six guys have struggled to find their rhythm, either lacking chemistry or just not bringing that extra spark. With Evander Kane and Trent Frederic still waiting in the wings, now is the time for names like Mattias Janmark, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Connor Brown to make their presence felt. Even head coach Kris Knoblauch chimed in, calling for the squad to step up and embrace the challenge.
And let’s not forget—the Oilers have been dealing with even more setbacks, with Mattias Ekholm missing time against Seattle and goaltender Stuart Skinner suffering a potential concussion against Dallas. But the good news? Reinforcements are on the way, and with just 10 games left, it’s time to lock in. Then came the Battle of Alberta, and guess who showed up when the Oilers needed a hero? That’s right—Leon Draisaitl made his glorious return, and he didn’t just play—he dominated. In his first game back after a four-game absence, Draisaitl wasted zero time reminding everyone exactly why he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Not only did he net his NHL-leading 50th and 51st goals of the season, but he also tacked on an assist, practically carrying Edmonton to a 3-2 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place. And the way he sealed the deal? Pure magic. With 2:25 gone in overtime, he lasered one past Calgary’s Dustin Wolf from the high slot, setting an NHL record with his sixth OT goal of the season. And just like that, the Oilers’ playoff dreams? Very much still alive. With McDavid working his way back, Draisaitl back in beast mode, and key players about to rejoin the lineup, things are starting to look real interesting in Edmonton.
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