The Edmonton Oilers are grappling with critical injury concerns as both Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are facing uncertain statuses, potentially hampering the team’s aspirations as they strive for success in the NHL.
On March 20, 2025, ahead of an anticipated conflict against the Winnipeg Jets, Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl was labeled as doubtful to play, putting the team in a tough spot. According to Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch, Draisaitl is currently considered day-to-day after sustaining an injury during a previous game against the Utah Hockey Club. In that match, he got tangled up with Olli Maatta during the Oilers' impressive 7-1 victory. Despite completing that game, Draisaitl sat out practice on Wednesday and missed the morning skate on Thursday.
Draisaitl’s stats speak to his pivotal role in the Oilers' lineup. As the league’s leading goal scorer with an impressive 49 goals, he also ranks second in points, trailing only Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche. However, the stakes were already raised for Draisaitl, who had an 18-game point streak—comprising 14 goals and 13 assists—snapped against the Utah Hockey Club, adding an extra layer of difficulty to his current predicament.
Fortunately for the Oilers, this isn't the first time they've had to weather a storm of injuries. Their captain, Connor McDavid, also left the same game against the Jets following a serious lower-body injury. It was late in the second period when McDavid took a hard crosscheck from Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey, which visibly affected him. While McDavid did try to return to the bench, he ultimately did not reappear for the third period, leaving fans and teammates anxious about his condition.
As a dominant offensive force, McDavid has registered 89 points this season over 62 games, positioning him as fourth in the NHL standings for points. He has consistently exceeded the 100-point mark each season he's completed without significant injury, including an astonishing 153-point season in 2022-23. His contributions were also pivotal as he helped lead the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2024, recording an impressive 43 points during that playoff run.
If the absence of McDavid—and possibly Draisaitl—extends for any significant duration, it would spell a major dilemma for the Oilers. These top-skills players, along with goaltender Stuart Skinner, who also left the March 20 game after a collision, represent the backbone of a team that has aspirations to contend for the Stanley Cup this season. Evander Kane is currently out for the season, adding to the Oilers' challenges.
Despite these hurdles, hope remains within Edmonton’s roster. With Draisaitl still day-to-day and McDavid's condition under scrutiny, the situation might open doors for other players to step up. This is a prime opportunity for individuals like Jeff Skinner, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman to showcase their offensive capabilities and seize moments to shine.
In fact, McDavid’s absence could galvanize Draisaitl, who has repeatedly stepped into the spotlight when McDavid was sidelined in the past. Should Draisaitl be healthy enough for the next matchup, he will need to step up significantly to fill the breach left by McDavid's potential absence.
The stakes have never been higher as the Oilers focus on securing a solid position in the playoffs while navigating these injury-induced challenges. The hope is that enough depth and resilience exist within the team to rise to this occasion and maintain their competitive edge.
As the situation evolves, fans can track updates on Draisaitl’s status and any further developments regarding McDavid and Skinner through sports news outlets. The Edmonton Oilers not only aim for a playoff berth but for another shot at the Stanley Cup Final, making these next few weeks critical for team performance.
The loss to the Winnipeg Jets, which culminated in a 4-3 overtime defeat on March 20, serves as a learning moment for the team, urging them to adapt quickly. With their star players' health hanging in the balance, every game counts.
