Oilers' Injury Updates: Evander Kane Ready, Ekholm to Miss First Round
The Edmonton Oilers have been dealing with a barrage of injuries, but that's about to end!
The team will be without top defenseman Mattias Ekholm for the entire first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs due to an undisclosed injury, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed Monday.
However, there’s positive news on other fronts: Evander Kane declared himself ready to return, while Leon Draisaitl is expected to be available for Game 1 against the Los Angeles Kings.
Mattias Ekholm will miss the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs due to injury, Kris Knoblauch announced pic.twitter.com/Y9TzqtmVWU
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 14, 2025
Knoblauch also provided updates on several other key players:
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins returns to the lineup tonight.
- Jake Walman could be available as early as Wednesday.
- Troy Stecher remains out but should return by Game 1.
- Connor McDavid (maintenance/precaution) and Zach Hyman (recovering from last week’s injury) will miss tonight’s game but are expected back by Game 82 or sooner.
Kane Confident in Playoff Return
Evander Kane, though still awaiting final medical clearance, expressed optimism about playing in Game 1 - "I played last year on one leg," Kane said. "How I feel today is much better." He added, "I’m confident I can help. I’m very close to playing, and if you ask me if I’ll be ready for Game 1..."
With limited cap space and multiple injuries, the Oilers will dress only 11 forwards tonight. Derek Ryan and Noah Philp have been reassigned to Bakersfield, while Quinn Hutson joins the lineup alongside the returning Nugent-Hopkins.
Despite the challenges, Edmonton remains focused on a deep playoff push, and Knoblauch is optimistic the team will be at full strength for the postseason opener.
Image - Jerome Miron-Imagn
