The Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks are preparing for a stronger lineup in their upcoming Wednesday game as star Oilers center Connor McDavid returns from the Winter Olympics and Ducks center Leo Carlsson comes back from injury. This game marks the NHL’s resumption following the Olympic break, with both teams aiming to improve their standings.
Connor McDavid, who captained Canada’s ice hockey team to a silver medal at the Milan Cortina Winter Games, arrived in California on Tuesday. After playing 12 games in the men’s hockey tournament and earning MVP honors with two goals and 11 assists, McDavid joined the Oilers for a morning skate on Wednesday.
McDavid Reflects on Olympic Experience and NHL Race
Despite the disappointment of Canada’s overtime loss to the United States, McDavid acknowledged the value of his Olympic run.
“There’s no way around it, no way to sugarcoat it, it sucks,”
McDavid said.
“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.”
At 29, McDavid leads the NHL with 96 points in 58 games this season, including 34 goals—second only to Colorado’s Nathan McKinnon—and a league-leading 62 assists tied with Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov. With the Oilers having lost three consecutive games before the break and holding just a one-point lead over the Ducks, McDavid emphasized the importance of a strong finish.
“It’s going to be a tight race coming down the stretch, and it’s going to be a sprint,”
McDavid said.
“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.”
Additional Moves Strengthen Edmonton’s Roster
In preparation for the upcoming games, the Oilers recalled forward Matt Savoie from their AHL affiliate Bakersfield after a brief loan and activated forward Adam Henrique, who has been recovering from a broken finger. These moves aim to provide Edmonton with more depth as the team battles to maintain its playoff position.
Leo Carlsson Returns to Ducks After Injury
Leo Carlsson, 21, rejoins the Ducks lineup after missing nearly two months due to a left thigh injury sustained in early January. He underwent a medical procedure on January 16 and was projected to be sidelined for three to five weeks. Although selected for Team Sweden’s Olympic roster, he did not participate in the tournament.
Ducks coach Joel Quenneville expressed optimism about Carlsson’s recovery.
“He’s looked good in practice and every day he’s gotten better and better,”
Quenneville said.
Carlsson has contributed significantly this season, tallying 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) in 44 games, placing him tied for second in scoring on the Ducks.
Implications for Playoff Contention as Season Resumes
The returns of McDavid and Carlsson bring renewed energy to their respective teams, both competing in a tight race for playoff spots. Edmonton’s upcoming road games against Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Jose will be crucial in determining their postseason fates. The intensity of the remaining regular-season schedule, described by McDavid as a “sprint,” underscores the urgency for both teams to perform at their highest levels.
As the NHL season restarts, the contributions of these key players could prove decisive in shaping the playoff picture in the Western Conference.
