5 Edmonton Oilers Who Must Step Up with McDavid and Draisaitl Injured

The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a heated battle for a playoff spot in the Pacific Division, where every point in the standings is crucial. With the competition tightening, they must continue their winning ways to stay in contention.

However, the Oilers now face an enormous challenge as they push forward without their two biggest stars, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, both sidelined with injuries for at least a week. Losing their offensive catalysts at such a critical juncture puts immense pressure on the rest of the roster to step up.

As of now, there are no official updates regarding the MRI results for McDavid and Draisaitl, which were expected before the weekend to determine the severity of their injuries. While the team anxiously awaits further clarity on their return timelines, the Oilers have no choice but to lean on their depth players to fill the void.

This is a defining moment for Edmonton—can they rally together and stay afloat until their superstars return, or will their playoff hopes take a devastating hit? The next few games will test their resilience and ability to compete without their two biggest playmakers.

1) Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

There is no question about who needs to step up in the absence of the Oilers’ two biggest stars. While Ryan Nugent-Hopkins delivered an outstanding performance against the Kraken with a hat-trick, his role becomes even more vital moving forward. As the longest-tenured Oiler, he not only has to lead in the locker room but also carry a larger offensive load to keep the team afloat. His experience and ability to create scoring opportunities will be crucial in helping Edmonton rack up much-needed points in the standings.

There is no time to ease into this challenge—Nugent-Hopkins must take control immediately. With the Oilers in a tight playoff race, every game matters, and they cannot afford to wait for McDavid and Draisaitl’s return before finding ways to win. If Nuge can elevate his game to another level, he has the potential to keep Edmonton competitive and give them a fighting chance in the postseason push.

2) Jeff Skinner

Jeff Skinner has spent more time as a healthy scratch than in the lineup this season, but now he has a chance to prove head coach Kris Knoblauch wrong for benching him. Brought in to add scoring depth and solidify the Oilers’ top six, Skinner now has a golden opportunity to seize the moment. With key players sidelined, Edmonton needs him to step up and deliver the offensive production they expected when they acquired him.

So far, Skinner has answered the call, scoring three goals in the past two games. However, with the Oilers fighting for a playoff spot in a crowded Western Conference, they need him to continue this momentum. If he can maintain this level of play, not only will he help Edmonton stay competitive, but he could also solidify his role in the lineup moving forward.

3/4) Stuart Skinner / Calvin Pickard

Goaltending often takes a backseat in injury discussions, as skater absences usually dominate the headlines. However, with the Oilers missing both McDavid and Draisaitl, the pressure on Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard has never been greater. Without their two offensive superstars, Edmonton won’t have the same firepower to outscore opponents, making goaltending a crucial factor in keeping the team afloat in the playoff race.

Skinner and Pickard must be nearly flawless in net, as every goal allowed will carry more weight in low-scoring games. Soft goals or lapses in concentration could be devastating, especially with the Oilers struggling to generate offense. If the tandem can rise to the occasion and keep games tight, Edmonton may have a fighting chance to weather this storm until their stars return.

5) Darnell Nurse

Darnell Nurse, one of the league’s highest-paid defensemen, will be under the spotlight more than ever. With McDavid and Draisaitl sidelined, the Oilers must rely on strong defensive play to stay competitive. Nurse needs to use his size, physicality, and reach to shut down opposing offenses and prevent costly goals. While his offensive contributions are valuable, his primary focus now must be on stabilizing the blue line and keeping games within reach.

Easier said than done, as Nurse has faced criticism in the past for defensive lapses and inconsistent play. However, this is his chance to prove why Edmonton invested so heavily in him. Leading by example, logging big minutes, and making smart decisions in his own zone will be crucial to the Oilers' success in this challenging stretch. If Nurse can elevate his game, he can be the backbone the team desperately needs until their superstars return.

Without McDavid and Draisaitl in the lineup, the Oilers face a crucial test, and it will take a collective effort from the entire roster to stay competitive in the Western Conference. Key players must elevate their game, whether it's stepping up offensively, tightening up defensively, or providing rock-solid goaltending. This stretch will define the Oilers’ resilience and depth, and if they can weather the storm, they’ll emerge as a stronger, more well-rounded team when their superstars return.

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