Oilers fans have been holding on with white knuckles ever since Connor McDavid limped off the ice against Winnipeg back on March 20. Four games later, Edmonton looked shaky without their captain, and the questions have only piled up. When’s he coming back? What’s the real injury? And can they hang on without him?

Now, we might finally have a real answer.

According to the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast, McDavid is set to return on April 9 against the St. Louis Blues—though the Oilers have yet to confirm it. Even better—he’s reportedly traveling with the team on their upcoming California road trip. That’s the strongest hint yet that No. 97’s comeback isn’t just close—it’s trending toward a return.

Edmonton has not confirmed it publicly, but Connor McDavid’s presence on the trip indicates he is ramping up. With only nine regular-season games remaining, the Oilers realize there is no time to waste.

Let’s be real—things looked grim without McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers got blasted 6-1 by Seattle and couldn’t keep up against Dallas. They were leaking goals and missing that McDavid spark. But then came the third Battle of Albertas—and the return of Draisaitl changed everything.

In vintage 29 fashion, Draisaitl scored his 50th goal of the season, added an assist, and buried the game-winner in overtime. One game, three points, and a much-needed W. Just like that, the Oilers snapped a two-game slide and reminded everyone why they’re still dangerous.

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This team can accomplish very little without their captain. McDavid has an astonishing 117 points in only 68 games. He is the team’s unquestioned leader. He is the engine of the offense, runs the power play, and instills fear in opponents when he has the puck.

The Oilers (42-26-5, 89 points) are still chasing home-ice advantage in the Pacific. They trail the Kings by two points, but L.A. has a game in hand. And with two head-to-head matchups still on the schedule, every point is vital now.

That’s why April 9 is so significant. Not only is it when Connor McDavid might be back, but it begins the final push. After that Blues game, the Oilers have eight games remaining before the playoffs. Getting their captain back in rhythm prior to those Kings games? Absolutely crucial.

Until then, Edmonton will lean on Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and the chemistry of their depth players, which is coming along. In Calgary, puck support was tighter, the defense was more sound, and players like Arvidsson and Pickard delivered. But let’s not kid ourselves—it’s all about 97.

Four games without Connor McDavid felt like four years to Oilers fans. But now there’s a target date, and the vibes are changing. If April 9 is the night he dresses again, the rest of the league better beware—because a rested, motivated Connor McDavid heading into the playoffs is the last thing anyone wants to encounter.

The captain is on the trip. He’s getting close. And if all goes as scripted, April 9 might be the night Edmonton is reunited with its leader—and the West gets put on notice.