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 date to look forward to–their savior, though it was shrouded in the usual ‘rumor’. But wait, hold onto your sticks because this story isn’t skating in a straight line! Just when fans began planning their comeback 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.

So, where’s all this McDavid drama coming from? McDavid, who is now tied with Mitch Marner for fifth place in the NHL points ranking with 90 points, missed the last four games due to a lower-body injury that he sustained in the 4-3 overtime defeat to the Winnipeg Jets on March 20. And although the Oilers have managed in his absence, going 2-2-0, it is not the same without their leader on the ice.

And this is not the first time he has been through such a situation 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 has been really stretching Edmonton’s patience to the limit. And now, let’s talk about the big question—what does the road to the playoffs look like for the Oilers?

It’s time for others to shine amid Connor McDavid’s absence

The Oilers have been hit hard by the injury bug, with both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl sidelined, leaving fans holding their breath. However, podcaster Pete Blackburn has noted that there is light at the end of the tunnel–this is a perfect opportunity for other players to come to the limelight. 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 that the Oilers themselves have faced even more challenges, such as Mattias Ekholm’s absence in the match against Seattle and the injury to the goaltender Stuart Skinner who suffered a potential concussion against Dallas. But the good news? There are just 9 games remaining and reinforcements are coming; it is time to set it in stone. 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. After missing four games, Draisaitl was eager to prove that he is still the powerhouse that he is by performing exceptionally well from the onset of the game.

Not only did he score his 50th and 51st goals of the season—extending his lead at the top of the NHL top scorers list—but also contributed an assist and was the reason why Edmonton was able to edge out the Calgary Flames in a 3-2 overtime victory at Rogers Place. And the way he sealed the deal? Pure magic. With 2:25 left in overtime, he fired one past Calgary’s Dustin Wolf from the high slot, breaking an NHL record with his sixth OT goal of the campaign. And just like that, the Oilers’ playoff dreams? Very much still alive. With McDavid gradually returning to the ice, Draisaitl back to his dominant self, and other players to return soon, things are getting quite interesting in Edmonton.