Oilers’ Connor McDavid out at least two more games

The Edmonton Oilers will remain without their captain for at least the next two games.

Speaking with reporters on Sunday, head coach Kris Knoblauch said that Connor McDavid won’t play in the team’s next two games, but he is expected to return before the end of the regular season.

McDavid appeared to tweak something in his lower body against the Winnipeg Jets on March 20. He did not return to the game and has missed the team’s last four games.

“We know a ballpark of when it’s going to be, and it’s not going to be the next game or two,” Knoblauch said of McDavid’s return to the lineup on Sunday. “It should be before the regular season ends… I think the most important thing is he’s healthy and 100 per cent for the playoffs.”

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McDavid didn’t practise with the team on Sunday. Starting goaltender Stuart Skinner also wasn’t at practice as he continues to work his way back from an injury he suffered in a collision with Stars forward Mikko Rantanen on Wednesday.

Thankfully, the Oilers do have superstar Leon Draisaitl back and healthy. Draisaitl made his return to the lineup on Saturday against the Calgary Flames and scored two goals, including the OT winner, to bring his league-leading total to 51.

The Oilers are tied for second in the Pacific Division with the Los Angeles Kings with 89 points, but the Kings have one game in hand.

Edmonton will head to Vegas for a pivotal divisional showdown with the Golden Knights on Tuesday.