The Edmonton Oilers lost both a game and another superstar Thursday, falling 4-3 in overtime to the Winnipeg Jets after Connor McDavid left with a lower-body injury.
McDavid exited following a second-period collision with Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey.
The Oilers were already without NHL-leading goal scorer Leon Draisaitl (lower body). Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said Friday that both players will likely be out at least a week.
“I’d say day-to-day, maybe a week [for McDavid] and Leon same kind of timeline,” Knoblauch said. “They’ll be probably out up to a week.”
The Oilers also lost starting goaltender Stuart Skinner late in the third period against the Jets, but Knoblauch said he will be available Saturday against the Seattle Kraken.
Skinner was pulled by the concussion spotter, a decision Knoblauch said post-game he would not have made. Skinner also disagreed with the decision.
“Stu is fine and eligible to play tomorrow night,” added Knoblauch.
Draisaitl, who leads the league with 49 goals, was hurt Tuesday in Edmonton’s 7-1 win over Utah. He showed some discomfort but finished the game.
“They re-evaluated and figured out it was more than they anticipated,” Knoblauch said on Draisaitl’s injury.
The Oilers have 12 available forwards and are unable to promote someone from Bakersfield in the American Hockey League due to cap space ($175,560 US), unless it is an emergency call-up.
“So right now, we have our players, and we don’t have the option to call up,” Knoblauch said.
Veteran forward Derek Ryan, who was called up Tuesday but hasn’t played, will likely slot into the lineup Saturday.
Stepping up
The Oilers battled back Thursday night despite the setbacks, tying the game in the third period thanks to goals from Jeff Skinner and Zach Hyman.
Knoblauch was impressed with the team’s response without McDavid.
“We’re very confident with the team that we have,” he said. “Players that can step up and play bigger responsibilities than they have previously this season.
“I thought there was a great effort by so many of our guys. There’s no quit, and we’re gonna need more of that.”
Jeff Skinner, a former 40-goal scorer, stepped up by scoring twice in a bigger role.
“It was only a matter of time before he put the puck in the net,” Knoblauch said.
Skinner has been a healthy scratch several times this season after signing as a free agent in the summer.
The 32-year-old has 13 goals in 59 games this season.
“He’s done it so many times, and we need them,” Knoblauch said. “Especially right now with the injuries that we have, we’ll need guys stepping up. And he’s one of those guys we’ll be looking to play a big role.”
Evander Kane, on long-term injured reserve after undergoing abdominal surgery in September and knee surgery in January, is back skating with the team.
For now, he has been practicing in small groups and participating in light skates, but his progression seems “optimistic,” according to Knoblauch.
“He’ll be joining regular practices, and you know he’s been putting in the work and getting ready to play, and hopefully sometime during the playoffs, he’s available for us,” he said.
“He’s a world-class athlete, world-class player. Last year, he battled through a lot of injuries and now surgeries. Hopefully, he can be healthy and ready for us. Obviously, he could make a huge impact on our team.”