The Oilers’ mailbag reveals which injured players are returning to the lineup and who remains sidelined as recovery continues

The 2024–2025 NHL season has been a rollercoaster for the Edmonton Oilers, with both exhilarating highs and frustrating lows. One of the most significant storylines throughout the season has been the team’s struggle with injuries to key players, including their captain, Connor McDavid, and other important contributors like Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard. The team’s ability to compete at a high level has been severely tested by these injuries, but the Oilers have shown resilience and determination, managing to stay in playoff contention despite the challenges.

Now, with the season winding down and the playoff race intensifying, the Oilers are beginning to get some of their injured players back in the lineup. Fans are eager to know who is returning to action and who remains sidelined. With so much on the line, the return of these players could have a significant impact on Edmonton’s push toward the postseason. In this Oilers mailbag, we take a look at the key players who are returning from injury, the ones who are still recovering, and what it all means for the team’s future.

Who’s Coming Back: Players Ready to Rejoin the Oilers

As the final stretch of the regular season approaches, the Oilers are set to get some key players back in the lineup. While McDavid’s return to skating had already been announced, there are other important contributors who have been cleared to return. Let’s break down the key players who are on the verge of rejoining the Oilers:

1. Connor McDavid

There’s no question that Connor McDavid’s return is the most anticipated of all the injury comebacks. The Oilers’ captain, widely regarded as the best player in the world, had been sidelined for a few weeks due to an undisclosed injury that kept him out of the lineup. While the specifics of the injury were kept under wraps, the word from the team’s medical staff is that McDavid is now fully recovered and ready to return.

McDavid’s absence was felt deeply by the Oilers, who struggled at times without their offensive juggernaut. However, despite missing their captain, the Oilers managed to stay in the playoff hunt, thanks in part to strong performances from Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and others. Now, with McDavid set to rejoin the lineup, the team is poised to regain its offensive punch.

McDavid’s speed, vision, and playmaking ability are unmatched, and his presence on the ice will immediately elevate the play of his teammates. The timing of his return is crucial, as the Oilers are in the midst of a tight playoff race. His leadership and ability to produce at a high level will be invaluable as Edmonton looks to make a strong push for the postseason.

2. Leon Draisaitl

Leon Draisaitl, another of the Oilers’ elite players, had been dealing with a minor injury but is expected to be fully recovered and back in the lineup for the final stretch of the season. Draisaitl is one of the league’s top offensive talents, and his chemistry with McDavid is a huge part of the Oilers’ success. While Draisaitl has continued to play through injury, the fact that he’ll be at full strength for the final games could give the Oilers a much-needed boost in both scoring and overall depth.

Draisaitl’s versatility and ability to play in all situations, including the power play and penalty kill, make him one of the most complete players in the NHL. His return to full health alongside McDavid’s return is a combination that could make the Oilers one of the most dangerous teams in the league down the stretch.

3. Evan Bouchard

Evan Bouchard, the Oilers’ young defenseman, has been one of the team’s standout performers this season. However, Bouchard had been dealing with an upper-body injury that kept him out for a period of time. After undergoing treatment and working with the team’s training staff, Bouchard has now been cleared to return to the ice. His return is important not just for his offensive contributions, but also for his ability to log significant minutes on the blue line.

Bouchard’s skill with the puck and his ability to jump into the rush makes him an invaluable part of Edmonton’s defense corps. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge up front, Bouchard provides a critical element on the back end. His power-play prowess and ability to break out of the zone quickly will help solidify the Oilers’ defensive game as they enter the final push for the playoffs.

4. Evander Kane

Evander Kane is another key player who has battled injuries throughout the season. Kane, known for his physicality and goal-scoring ability, had been sidelined with a lower-body injury. However, the word from the team is that Kane is now back to full health and will be available for the Oilers as they look to close out the season. Kane’s return adds another layer of toughness and scoring ability to the Oilers’ top-six forwards.

Kane’s presence on the ice is often felt in more ways than one. His ability to create chaos in front of the net and his willingness to engage in the physical side of the game make him a unique weapon for the Oilers. When healthy, Kane is a force who can change the momentum of a game with his size, speed, and shooting ability.

Who’s Still Out: Players Still Recovering from Injury

While the Oilers are getting some key players back, there are also a few notable names who remain sidelined. The team has been cautious with the recovery of certain players, ensuring they’re fully healed before returning to action. Here’s a look at the players who are still recovering:

1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been another key figure in the Oilers’ lineup, but he has been dealing with a nagging injury that has kept him out of action for a little while. Nugent-Hopkins is known for his versatility, intelligence, and two-way play, and the Oilers have certainly missed his presence. While he has been making progress in his recovery, there’s no definitive timeline for his return.

The Oilers will be hoping that Nugent-Hopkins can make it back before the playoffs, as his ability to play in all situations—on the power play, penalty kill, and at even strength—gives the team additional depth. Nugent-Hopkins also brings a steadying influence on the ice with his veteran leadership, so his return would be a welcome boost as the team looks to solidify their playoff position.

2. Zach Hyman

Zach Hyman has been one of the most consistent and reliable players for the Oilers this season, contributing at both ends of the ice. However, Hyman has been sidelined recently due to an undisclosed injury. The team has been tight-lipped about the severity of Hyman’s injury, but they’ve indicated that he’s making good progress in his recovery.

Hyman’s ability to forecheck, kill penalties, and contribute offensively makes him an indispensable part of the Oilers’ lineup. If he can return for the final games of the season, his presence will give Edmonton a more balanced forward group, allowing them to roll four lines effectively. His tenacity and work ethic also set an example for the rest of the team, making him a crucial figure in the Oilers’ playoff push.

3. Cody Ceci

Cody Ceci, a key defenseman for the Oilers, has been dealing with an injury that has kept him out of the lineup for some time. Known for his solid defensive play and ability to eat minutes, Ceci’s absence has been felt on the back end, especially in critical situations. While the Oilers have depth on defense, Ceci’s return would provide stability and a veteran presence to help anchor the team’s defense corps.

Ceci’s ability to kill penalties, break up plays, and provide a steadying influence is crucial as the Oilers head into the final stretch. His recovery is being closely monitored, and the team is hopeful he will return to action soon.

What the Returns Mean for the Oilers’ Playoff Push

With the return of key players like McDavid, Draisaitl, Bouchard, and Kane, the Oilers are in an excellent position to make a strong push toward the playoffs. The final week of the regular season will be crucial for Edmonton, and getting their top players back in the lineup could make all the difference in securing a spot in the postseason.

Having McDavid and Draisaitl back to full health gives the Oilers one of the most potent one-two punches in the league. With both of them on the ice, Edmonton’s offensive attack becomes nearly unstoppable, capable of scoring at will. Kane’s return adds grit and scoring ability to the top six, while Bouchard’s presence on the back end ensures that the Oilers’ defense will be in top form.

Even without some of their other injured players, the Oilers have the depth and skill to compete with the best teams in the league. However, if Nugent-Hopkins and Hyman can return in time for the final games, they would add another level of depth and stability, making the Oilers an even more dangerous team.