Kris Knoblauch Drops Massive Update on McDavid and Draisaitl's Injuries

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will likely miss the Edmonton Oilers' last three March contests with injuries, although Kris Knoblauch's comments after practice today may have put that up for debate.

There was a hint of optimism from their head coach that Draisaitl could be back before McDavid, and that could be just the mojo the club needs down the stretch. That means the status of McDavid is a little more grim than initially thought.

McDavid is dealing with a lower-body injury, and Draisaitl has been out with an undisclosed problem.

With the Dallas Stars, Seattle Kraken, and Calgary Flames on the horizon in crucial matchups before them, the Oilers will be without their two largest stars as they carry on their drive for present playoff seeding.

Draisaitl has been unstoppable this season, topping the NHL with 49 goals and with 101 points in 68 games. McDavid, who has missed games due to absences, has tallied 90 points, with 26 goals and 64 assists, in 63 games.

Their absence increases the pressure on the rest of the roster to step up while the Oilers struggle to hold their position in the Pacific Division.

Now sitting third in the division overall at 41-24-5, the Oilers have 12 regular-season games remaining. Every win will be important to clinch their playoff position, and doing it without two of their top playmakers makes it that much more difficult.

Medical tests will dictate the two players' return timetable, but in the short term, the Oilers will have to find a way to survive without them.

If they can just tread water in the standings until their stars return, they'll still be in great shape to make a long playoff push.