ANAHEIM, CA - The Oilers are getting a major boost as their captain, Connor McDavid, is set to return to the lineup against the Ducks on Wednesday. Fresh from his Olympic journey with Team Canada, McDavid’s presence is sure to energize Edmonton as they kick off a crucial three-game road trip in California.
McDavid, who was named MVP of the Milano Cortina 2026 tournament, was nothing short of spectacular, racking up two goals and 11 assists over six games. He touched down in Orange County on Tuesday and hit the ice for the morning skate, ready to rejoin his teammates.
Reflecting on the Olympic experience, McDavid didn’t hide his disappointment over Canada’s sudden-death loss to the United States in the gold-medal match. Yet, he remains positive about his first Olympic outing.
"There's no way around it, no way to sugarcoat it, it sucks," McDavid admitted. "But overall, the experience was good and it was a great group of guys to be around.
Honestly, it was a special group to be a part of, and we'll have those memories for a lifetime."
As McDavid returns, the Oilers find themselves in a tight spot. They dropped their last three games before the break and are clinging to a slim one-point lead over the Ducks. With the Kings just four points back, every game is pivotal in the race to the playoffs.
McDavid emphasized the urgency of the situation. "It's going to be a tight race coming down the stretch, and it's going to be a sprint," he said, eyeing Edmonton's final 24 games.
"There's only a handful of weeks left and we haven't secured anything, so we've got to find a way to get going here out of the break. It's important.
Starts with a big road trip here in Anaheim, a team that is right there with us, and then in LA and San Jose, all three teams right there."
With McDavid back in action, the Oilers are poised to make a strong push. His leadership and skill could be the key to navigating this challenging stretch and securing a playoff spot. Fans will be watching closely as the Oilers take on their division rivals, hoping that their captain can lead them to victory.