4 Oilers who must step up in the absence of Connor McDavid
With Connor McDavid out for 2-3 weeks, the Oilers face an early-season test. We look at which players must elevate their performance and keep the team on track.
The Edmonton Oilers and their fans can finally take a deep breath, after getting relatively good news on the injury front concerning Connor McDavid. The superstar forward, who went down with an injury during the team’s recent game against the Blue Jackets, is expected to be out for two-three weeks—a fortunate outcome considering the initial uncertainty surrounding his status.
Known for his remarkable speed, playmaking, and ability to elevate those around him, McDavid is the backbone of Edmonton’s offence, and his absence leaves a noticeable void in the lineup. Yet, even with McDavid sidelined, the Oilers still have the firepower and depth to stay competitive in his absence.
Could be as many as 12 or 13 games (including the CBJ game). Oilers won once with him out of the lineup in 6 games last season. https://t.co/ACs42zv5kt
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) October 30, 2024
For Edmonton to maintain momentum and avoid slipping in the standings, they will need other players to step up and fill the gap. Edmonton’s early-season resilience will be tested, but with an opportunity for others to contribute, this challenge could ultimately strengthen the team. The Oilers’ immediate focus now shifts to a collective effort, using McDavid’s absence as motivation to demonstrate their depth and prove they can thrive until their captain’s return.
1) Snake bitten - Zach Hyman
Now more than ever, the Oilers need players to step up in the absence of their captain, McDavid. His skill, speed, and leadership make him nearly irreplaceable, but this temporary loss also offers an opportunity for others to demonstrate they can elevate their game. Zach Hyman, who often plays alongside McDavid, now has a chance to shoulder more responsibility. Known for his relentless work ethic, Hyman can serve as an engine for the team’s offence while filling in the scoring gap left by McDavid’s absence. As one of the Oilers’ core players, Hyman’s contribution will be crucial in keeping Edmonton competitive over the next few weeks.
For Hyman, however, the season so far has been underwhelming in terms of goal-scoring. Coming off a career-best 54-goal season, the expectation was for him to continue being a steady finisher, especially when paired with elite playmakers. Instead, Hyman has yet to find the back of the net this season, which has only heightened the pressure for him to break through and deliver offensively. The Oilers are a high-scoring team that leans on a productive top six, so getting Hyman on the score sheet is essential. His scoring slump has become a talking point, and with McDavid out, the time is ripe for him to snap out of it and return to form.
Edmonton’s success over the next few games may rest heavily on Hyman’s shoulders, but he is far from alone in this challenge. If Hyman can rediscover his scoring touch, it could inspire others around him to step up as well, reinforcing the depth that Edmonton needs to weather this setback. The Oilers are counting on Hyman to help them navigate this difficult period and to demonstrate that, even without their captain, they can remain a formidable team in the NHL.
2) Struggling Stuart Skinner
Losing a player of McDavid’s caliber is a tough blow for the Oilers and naturally, the team’s offence is likely to take a noticeable dip without him. This means that every other part of the Oilers’ lineup will need to tighten up to keep the team competitive, and this especially applies to their goaltending. For Stuart Skinner, McDavid’s absence creates additional pressure to be sharp and make critical saves that could be the difference in close games. Without the luxury of McDavid's offence to rely on, Skinner’s performance in the net becomes all the more vital for Edmonton’s success.
One area of immediate concern is Skinner's save percentage, which currently sits below the critical .900 mark. With the Oilers likely scoring fewer goals, Skinner cannot afford to let in any weak ones, as each mistake could cost them crucial points. His numbers must improve significantly if the Oilers are to weather this storm. A stronger showing in goal will not only bolster team morale, but also give Edmonton a better chance to steal games while McDavid recovers. Skinner’s ability to elevate his play and focus on consistent, timely saves could provide the stability Edmonton needs in this challenging period.
If Skinner can dig deep and play at an elite level, it will give his teammates the confidence to rally around him. This stretch of games without McDavid is a critical test, and strong goaltending could be the key to Edmonton salvaging points until their captain returns. The Oilers need Skinner to rise to the occasion, not just as a shot-stopper but as a stabilizing force for a team suddenly missing its biggest star.
3) Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
With McDavid sidelined for the next two-three weeks, the Oilers will turn to their longest-serving player, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, to help fill the void. Known as a versatile and reliable presence both on and off the ice, Nugent-Hopkins now has a unique opportunity to lead his team through this challenging stretch. His ability to contribute in all situations — from the power play to penalty killing — makes him invaluable to the Oilers’ system, especially as they look to navigate a scoring drop without McDavid’s usual production.
This isn’t just a chance for Nugent-Hopkins to increase his offensive contributions; it's a moment for him to step up as a veteran leader. With McDavid out, the team will be looking to him not only for points on the board but also for steadying leadership. Nugent-Hopkins has been with the Oilers through many ups and downs, and his experience can serve as a calming influence in a potentially turbulent period. He has shown his ability to adapt and thrive in different roles over the years, and now, more than ever, Edmonton needs him to guide the team both mentally and strategically.
If Nugent-Hopkins can elevate his play and embrace this leadership role, it will set a strong example for the rest of the lineup to rally around. Young players and newer teammates alike can look to him for cues on handling adversity, and his efforts can inspire others to bring their best to the ice each game. While no one player can replace McDavid, Nugent-Hopkins has the experience and versatility to keep Edmonton competitive, helping them stay afloat in the standings until their captain returns.
4) Darnell Nurse
The injury to McDavid is a major setback for the Oilers, but it opens the door for the rest of the lineup to elevate their game. One player who needs to step up immediately is defenceman Darnell Nurse, an alternate captain whose presence on the ice can make a critical difference. Nurse now faces the dual challenge of anchoring the defence and setting the tone as a leader. With McDavid out, Nurse’s influence will be key in helping Edmonton stay competitive and resilient during this stretch.
Nurse’s role on defence will be under the microscope, as the Oilers work to compensate for the expected dip in scoring without their superstar forward. Keeping the puck out of their own net has now become a top priority, and Nurse will need to lead by example in tightening up Edmonton’s defensive play. His responsibility is not just to shut down opposing forwards, but also to ensure the entire defensive unit is working cohesively. Strong positioning, shot-blocking, and physical play will be essential as the Oilers strive to minimize mistakes and prevent costly goals in McDavid’s absence.
If Nurse can embrace this expanded role and rally the defensive group around him, it could make a significant difference in Edmonton's ability to withstand McDavid’s absence. His leadership, both in action and attitude, will be crucial for a team that needs everyone stepping up to fill the void. This is an opportunity for Nurse to show his value as more than just a dependable blue liner — it’s a chance for him to prove he can be the rock Edmonton leans on through adversity, setting the stage for a stronger, more cohesive team when McDavid returns.
McDavid’s presence on the ice is irreplaceable, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Oilers. However, this challenging period offers a chance for the rest of the roster to showcase their resilience and depth. By stepping up as a team — whether through increased scoring contributions, defensive fortitude, or timely goaltending — the Oilers have the pieces to hold their ground and keep pace in the standings until their captain’s return.
Next. Darnell Nurse reportedly being considered for Team Canada. Darnell Nurse reportedly being considered for Team Canada. dark
If each player can seize the opportunity to elevate their game, the Oilers will not only manage this early-season setback but potentially come back stronger with a more unified roster. A successful response to McDavid’s absence will demonstrate that Edmonton is more than just a one-man team and will reinforce their determination to contend for a championship.
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