What happened before McDavid's surprise return to Edmonton Oilers lineup
Connor McDavid was not supposed to suit up for Wednesday night’s Edmonton Oilers game, but something changed just hours before puck drop.
The Oilers captain was originally ruled out of the game at morning skate with head coach Kris Knoblauch calling him “day-to-day” and saying they would reassess for Friday’s game against the San Jose Sharks.
Yet, as the day progressed, reports started to leak that McDavid was planning to play, and he did. Not only did he suit up, but he also led the Oilers with three assists in an exciting 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues.
So, what happened in those few hours to make McDavid’s status go from injured to game-ready?
“He was really close, day-to-day, and the plan was he was gonna start the following game on Friday,” Knoblauch said after the game. “He really felt he was ready and wanted to play, especially with losing another centerman [Nugent-Hopkins].”
“Obviously he wouldn’t have been cleared just because he felt he was playing. The medical staff also felt he was in good hands, that he was gonna be safe and not create any more damage.”
"All five played really well, stepping up, all of them playing more minutes than they usually have… Great job by those five, so many good plays from them."
Coach Knoblauch on the #Oilers playing with one less defenceman. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/8dMre28hss
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 10, 2025
McDavid certainly looked healthy during the game. He was far and away the best player for Edmonton and did not look to be holding back with a few end-to-end rushes. While he didn’t score any goals, the Oilers probably would not have come out on top without his three assists on the night.
When asked after the game about the wild day leading up to the game, McDavid didn’t give away much in terms of how he eventually got back into the lineup.
“I thought the system worked well today with lots of communication with all groups,” McDavid said. “Ultimately, it was a busy day.”
"Massive obviously & that's what it's about… We've had different guys step up throughout this kind of injury & sickness bug. A lot of guys are stepping up, playing good hockey & contributing."
Connor McDavid on Connor Brown's two-goal game.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/mQ2scNhKPd
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 10, 2025
It should have been expected that the Oilers superstar was going to be coy about the process that led to his surprise return. After all, McDavid has gained a reputation of being cautious with his words with the media.
Luckily, teammate Connor Brown was able to give a tiny bit more insight into things. Brown was a major player in the game, having scored two goals, including the game-winner in the dying seconds. When asked about his captain’s return, he gave an honest answer.
“We kinda knew that he was itching to play… It was just a matter of if they let him,” Brown laughed. “I think he’s a true embodiment of a captain. Unselfish, hard-working, leads by example.”