Why Oilers Fans Don’t Need to Worry About McDavid and Draisaitl’s Injuries Ahead of Playoffs

As the NHL playoff picture begins to take shape, Edmonton Oilers fans have found themselves on edge with two of their biggest stars, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, sidelined with injuries. With only a few games remaining in the regular season, the timing couldn’t be worse for these two key players to be missing action.

However, despite the growing concern, NHL insider Chris Johnston isn’t worried about the duo’s ability to perform when it matters most. Speaking on First Up, Johnston shared his calm, collected perspective on the situation, which has been a source of unease for many fans.

The Timing is Unfortunate, but There’s No Cause for Alarm

While neither McDavid nor Draisaitl is expected to return to the lineup this week, Johnston explained that there’s no immediate reason for panic. Both players are not placed on the injured reserve list, meaning that their injuries, though bothersome, are not considered severe. According to Johnston, the team is simply using this time to ensure both players are fully recovered.

“I don’t see any reason for concern. Obviously, they’re out for the week, but I think it’s more about the team using the time they have,” Johnston explained during the broadcast.

This sentiment is reassuring for Oilers fans, who may be concerned about missing the opportunity to fine-tune their roster ahead of the postseason.

McDavid and Draisaitl Have Been Here Before

The reality of the situation is that McDavid and Draisaitl have been through high-stakes playoff runs before, and no one understands the importance of peak performance better than they do. In fact, Johnston emphasizes that both players are all too aware of what lies ahead. “No two guys understand what’s ahead better than McDavid and Draisaitl. They drove so much of the Oilers’ success last spring, and they need to be in a place where they can do that again,” he said.

As the Oilers sit in a solid position—currently nine points up on the Vancouver Canucks for a top-three playoff spot in their division—Johnston notes that Edmonton has the luxury of affording McDavid and Draisaitl the rest they need.

With the Oilers in a comfortable position, there’s no immediate rush to push these stars back onto the ice before they’re fully ready. “With Edmonton in a great spot in the standings, they have the luxury of giving those guys time to recover,” Johnston explained, emphasizing that the team’s playoff aspirations won’t be compromised by a short-term absence.

Playoff Prep: The Importance of Long-Term Thinking

Johnston’s reassurance aligns with a broader trend that could become more common as the playoffs approach: prioritizing long-term health over regular-season victories. As the Oilers focus on ensuring that their top players are ready for the playoff grind, Johnston points out that other teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, may also adopt this approach.

“There’s no indication these injuries will drag on or affect their ability to perform in the playoffs. I think we’ll see other teams take a similar approach,” Johnston said. “If the Leafs run into injury issues, for example, they’ll likely take the long-term view as well—because the real tournament starts in a few weeks, and you want your players at their best.”

This perspective is a reminder that, in the grand scheme of things, the postseason is the ultimate goal, and it’s critical for teams to be strategic with player health heading into the most important stretch of the year.

The Road Ahead for McDavid, Draisaitl, and the Oilers

As the Oilers enter the final stretch of the regular season, the team’s focus will be on keeping McDavid and Draisaitl healthy and rested. While their absence from the lineup this week might raise some eyebrows, there’s little doubt that these two stars will be ready to lead Edmonton when the stakes are highest.

For now, fans can take solace in Johnston’s words, confident that the Oilers’ best players will be on the ice come playoff time, fully prepared to give everything they have for a deep postseason run.

With just a few weeks remaining before the start of the playoffs, McDavid and Draisaitl’s readiness will be key to the Oilers’ success. But as Chris Johnston wisely put it, “The real tournament starts in a few weeks, and you want your players at their best.” And with that, Edmonton’s playoff hopes remain very much alive.