There is one specific thing that could change everything about Connor McDavid's return timeline, and that is the home ice advantage situation for the Oilers. <a href='https://www.nhl.com/oilers/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Edmonton Oilers</a> captain Connor McDavid remains <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/huge-injury-update-revealed-by-oilers-on-connor-mcdavid-evander-kane-and-trent-frederic' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>on the road to recovery from a lower-body injury</a> he incurred on March 20, but his return timeline is uncertain. While the team had originally hoped to see McDavid return to the lineup mid to late this week, that schedule is possibly in flux. Sportsnet's <a href='https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Elliotte Friedman</a> on the latest Saturday Headlines indicates that the Oilers may be reconsidering their strategy based on where the team is in the standings. Before the Oilers played in Los Angeles [Saturday], McDavid skated as he continues to do on the trip, Friedman said. The word is mid to late next week was the target. You know, we'll see. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1908689402022264923'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <h3>It will likely be tough for the Oilers to surpass the Kings in the standings</h3> <a href='https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/edm-vs-lak/2025/04/05/2024021213' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Edmonton lost 3-0 to the Los Angeles Kings</a> Saturday, leaving them four points back of L.A. in the race for second in the Pacific Division. Each team has played 76 games, as <a href='https://www.nhl.com/standings/2025-04-07/wildcard' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Edmonton stands at 44-27-5 (93 points)</a> and the Kings at 44-23-9 (97 points). With a playoff spot nearly locked up and home-ice advantage more and more unlikely, Friedman suggested the Oilers might decide to give McDavid more time to recover, possibly altering the way they plan his return. The Oilers, they're four points behind the Kings - does that change the way they kind of look at his return? Friedman said. You know he wants to come back as quick as possible. But he looks good. And, again, looks like mid to late this week was the target. Depending on whether the result changes anything. The Oilers play the Ducks on Monday, the scorching hot St. Louis Blues on Wednesday, and the last-place San Jose Sharks on Friday. Either game could be the one where McDavid gets back to business, but don't count on it. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1909244974648197401'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> After Friday, there are only three games remaining in the regular season. <a href='https://www.nhl.com/oilers/player/connor-mcdavid-8478402' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>McDavid</a> has picked up 90 points (64 assists) on the season in 63 games. Teammate superstar Leon Draisaitl, who has been day-to-day since April 3, has 106 points on the season in 71 games.