Injury-Riddled Oilers About To Get A Lot Healthier

The Edmonton Oilers have dealt with a ton of injuries to key players down the stretch where the team is usually very good. That has stunted their progression up the standings and will likely finish in third in the division. They don't have to worry about missing the playoffs with all of their health concerns as 2 points by them or 2 missed points by the Calgary Flames clinches the Oilers.

Players currently on the shelf include Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Stuart Skinner, Mattias Ekholm, Evander Kane, John Klingberg, and Trent Frederik. There is some good news on this front, even if Frederik only played a few minutes and got injured in his first game with the Oilers.

McDavid, Skinner, and Ekholm are expected back the soonest. Bob Stauffer said that McDavid is expected back as the team returns home. Edmonton plays against the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday, Apr. 9. Skinner and Ekholm could be right there with McDavid. If they don't return for the game against the Blues, then the following game two days later against the San Jose Sharks is very likely.

Those are three key pieces that the Oilers will be getting back at each position and in time to get back up to speed and ready for the playoffs. As for the other three, each one should be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs at the very least.

Draisaitl will likely be back next week, hopefully earlier than later so he gets a few games. Frederik's re-aggravated ankle injury shouldn't keep him out too long, so there's a chance he comes back before the playoffs. As for Kane, it was noted that he is more likely for the first game of the playoffs, but maybe slightly after that. He has been skating and shooting on Skinner.

The Oilers have been battling, but are a very good looking team if they can get healthy.