The Edmonton Oilers are entering a critical phase of the season, where results and player health both matter. Injuries have already affected the lineup, and the team is trying to manage those setbacks carefully. There is a clear need to avoid further issues with important games approaching.
That situation brings focus to how Connor McDavid is handling his current condition.
How Connor McDavid is Managing Health After Leon Draisaitl’s Injury
McDavid left a recent practice early, which raised concern given the team’s injury situation. He later addressed it with a simple update. “Just hips & groin stuff. Yup, all good.” His response made it clear that the issue is not serious, but the team remains cautious.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch explained the decision around McDavid’s workload during that session. “He was on the line of taking a maintenance day,” Knoblauch said. “Just wanted to touch the ice (today).” This shows that the Oilers are taking a careful approach, especially with the season nearing its final stage.
McDavid’s recent history adds to that approach, as he has dealt with multiple lower-body injuries over the past two seasons. He missed time in March 2025 after a collision with Josh Morrissey, and earlier in October 2024, he was sidelined for a few weeks with an ankle injury.
There were also reports that he played through an abdominal issue during the 2024 playoffs, which shows how well he has handled the physical demands.
The Oilers are already without Leon Draisaitl, who suffered a lower-body injury on March 15 against the Nashville Predators. He is currently in Munich receiving treatment and said his recovery will “definitely take a few weeks.”
The team has placed him on long-term injured reserve, and while general manager Stan Bowman expressed hope for a late regular-season return, Draisaitl remains focused on being ready for the postseason.
Draisaitl’s absence has affected the lineup, especially considering his production before the injury. He recorded 97 points in 65 games and played a major role in the offense. Without him, the Oilers depend even more on McDavid, which makes the captain’s availability even more important.
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The recent 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning showed some of the challenges the team is facing. McDavid scored his 38th goal of the season, leaving him just one shy of 400 for his career, but the Oilers could not build on that start.
Tampa Bay capitalized on key chances, including a power-play and a short-handed goal, while Edmonton struggled to convert its opportunities.
The Oilers now prepare for a matchup against the Utah Mammoth as they try to stay in the playoff race. McDavid will continue to drive the offense, but how the team manages his workload remains important.
