With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl both sidelined by injuries, Coach Kris Knoblauch sees a chance for other players to step up and show what they've got.
McDavid went down with a lower-body injury in the overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets and Draisaitl was injured during the big win over Utah. Losing both stars at once? Tough. But Knoblauch believes this is the perfect time for other players to find their game and gain some confidence with more ice time and power-play chances.
“We hope in the long run that this is good for us. Losing Connor and Leon, do we ever want them out of the lineup? No. But collectively for our team, we want to be at our best for the playoffs,” he told the media on Tuesday.
“This little break without having those two, maybe that helps other guys find their game and they're able to step it up... Hopefully they can build a little confidence,” he added.
"This little break without having those two, maybe that helps other guys find their game & they're able to step it up... Hopefully they can build a little confidence."
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 24, 2025
Coach Knoblauch on #Oilers stepping up in the absence of Draisaitl & McDavid.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/4Yssqqd80j
Despite the setback, the Oilers are faring decent so far. They’re currently in 3rd place in the Pacific Division, just seven points behind the Vegas Golden Knights. With 12 games left, they’ve been solid lately with a 6-3-1 record over their past 10 games.
Kris Knoblauch worried with new acquisition Trent Frederic
Though McDavid and Draisaitl’s return date is still uncertain, the Oilers are getting reinforcements in the form of forward Evander Kane and newly acquired Trent Frederic.
During the same media briefing, Coach Knoblauch expressed that he is excited about Frederic’s future with the team but voiced that he's also a little anxious, given that Frederic has been sidelined with a high ankle sprain since his trade from the Bruins.
“I'd like to have some time with him, but you play the cards you're dealt.” he said.
“The playoffs are coming up quickly. We know what kind of player he is, but like with any player who's had time off, it's going to take him a while to find his game and build it up with repetitions in practice and in games.”
Once Frederic is healthy, he’ll bring some much-needed muscle to the Oilers. The former Boston Bruin has had a tough season, but Knoblauch is hopeful that with some time on the ice, Frederic will find his rhythm and be an asset for the Oilers.
Coming up, they'll face some tough teams like the Stars, Kraken, Flames and Golden Knights. These games will be crucial in determining where they end up in the standings and if they can secure an advantageous position for the playoffs.