Connor McDavid's eagerly anticipated return to the Edmonton Oilers is facing some delays following his stint at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Despite the excitement surrounding his Olympic performance, the timeline for his rejoining the team remains uncertain.
Recent updates suggest that McDavid won't be back in the Oilers lineup immediately after the Olympics. Head coach Kris Knoblauch has confirmed there's no set date for his return.
“I don’t think he will leave immediately, but I think tomorrow is exactly when he joins the team,” Knoblauch mentioned on Sunday. Conversations with McDavid will determine when he's ready to hit the ice again.
McDavid's Olympic journey was nothing short of spectacular. Leading Team Canada, he racked up 13 points with 2 goals and 11 assists over 6 games, earning MVP, top forward, and All-Star Team accolades, even though Canada fell to the United States in a 2-1 overtime loss in the gold medal game. Despite the silver, McDavid's performance was stellar, but it seems the tournament has taken its toll, leaving him in need of some recovery time.
Before the Olympics, McDavid had hinted at the possibility of missing a few NHL games to embrace the Olympic experience. Now, with the Oilers facing back-to-back games against the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings on February 25 and 26, it's looking unlikely he'll be ready to play. The travel from Italy and the need for rest, especially if there's a minor hand issue, suggest that giving him time to recuperate is the smart move, even with these crucial Pacific Division matchups looming.
As the Oilers navigate this period, fans will be eagerly watching for updates on McDavid's status, knowing his return could be pivotal for the team's success in the tight divisional race.