Early in the season the Oilers were struggling for results, with their 2-9-1 record through 12 games the worst start in franchise history. Similarly the team was struggling with injuries, including to the likes of Connor McDavid, Mattias Ekholm and Markus Niemeläinen.
Now, the team is in a much healthier position, with Sunday night's 7-2 win in Anaheim making it five in a row and 13 victories in their past 16 games. Similarly, the Oilers' injury situation has also improved.
However, this doesn't mean the Oilers don't still have some players on the sidelines. Here's the latest news on what few injuries they are currently dealing with:
Dylan Holloway
Dylan Holloway has been on long-term injured reserve since Nov. 15 with a knee injury. He sustained the injury, after crashing hard into the boards in a game against the Islanders.
The good news is that Holloway accompanied the team for their West Coast road trip, albeit only to take part in practice. However, as things stand he has a good chance to return on Jan. 2 at home against the Flyers.
The 22-year-old had been a disappointment so far in 2023-24 prior to his injury, highlighted by only one point and a -3 plus/minus rating in 14 games. However, he is still an important part of the Oilers long-term, with him projected as a mainstay in the bottom six.
Sam Gagner
Sam Gagner did not make the road trip to the West Coast, due to an undisclosed injury suffered versus the Devils in a 6-3 win. What we do know though, is that he was listed as day-to-day.
Gagner is currently projected to return on Jan. 2, for the home matchup with the Flyers. As such, any curiosity about the nature of his injury should be mitigated by the reality his return is imminent.
The 2007 sixth overall draft pick has been excellent for the Oilers during his third tour of duty in Edmonton. He's arguably exceeded expectations with nine points in 18 games, while just overall providing the benefit of his experience and leadership.
Ryan Fanti
With apologies for sounding like a broken record, there isn't much change from our previous updates on Ryan Fanti. He is still listed as month-to-month, and while Jan. 27 is noted as his expected return date this should be taken with a pinch of salt at this stage.
Fanti has been dealing with a hip injury since prior to training camp. While his absence does not impact the Oilers, it does continue to affect him on an individual level and increasingly so as more time passes by.
As things stand, the 24-year-old is set to become a restricted free agent at the conclusion of this season. The longer he's out, the less opportunities he has to prove himself between the pipes.
Overall, the Oilers are in an excellent position right now health-wise, which can only help them continue to surge up the Western Conference standings. They begin the New Year sitting just three points out of a playoff spot, with a 18-15-1 record and games in hand on those above them.