Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid was forced to leave Thursday night’s game against the Winnipeg Jets after a suspected lower-body injury.

McDavid was chasing the puck toward the Jets’ zone when Josh Morrissey appeared to get him with a cross-check in the rib area.

McDavid was seen talking with Edmonton’s medical staff and was pulled out of the game before the start of the third period.

The loss of McDavid comes on the same day that Leon Draisaitl was forced to sit out due to an undisclosed injury.

McDavid registered his 90th point of the season earlier in the game, which was 2-2 after 40 minutes. McDavid snagged an assist on Jeff Skinners’ 13th of the year, a snapshot goal at 25:30.

McDavid, 28, has 361 goals ,711 assists and 1,072 points in 708 games over 10 seasons. He’s coming off a Conn Smythe in 2024, and won the Hart Trophy after leading the league in goals (64), assists (89) and points (153) in 2022-23.

Evander Kane, who has missed the entire season due to hip and knee injuries, skated with the team for the first time on Thursday. Other injuries include John Klingberg and Trent Frederic, both of whom were late-season additions by the club.

The Oilers entered the game with 84 points, sitting second in the Pacific Division behind the Vegas Golden Knights. Edmonton is in the midst of a three-game winning streak and a 6-4-0 record over the past 10 games. They sit just two points behind the Golden Knights, who have gone 5-3-2 over the past 10. Edmonton is the only team in the Pacific Division with 40 wins so far this season.

Edmonton is looking to go the distance after losing the Stanley Cup final to the Florida Panthers during the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs.

NHL News: Connor McDavid, Oilers receive bittersweet news involving star teammates Leon Draisaitl, Evander Kane

Ahead of a marquee matchup against the Winnipeg Jets, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers experienced mixed feelings after their latest practice.

The Edmonton Oilers are experiencing great highs amid a three-game win streak in the NHL, which has them closing in on the top position in the Pacific Division. However, Connor McDavid and the squad will take on their biggest, and true, test as they take on the league-leading, Winnipeg Jets at home in Rogers Place. Ahead of a pivotal meeting, the team learned concerning news, though there is a silver lining.

The Oilers’ season hasn’t been consistent as the organization would’ve hoped for coming into the year. However, their efforts have been sufficient and, barring a disaster, they should punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the 2024-25 NHL campaign.

Regardless, many lingering issues remain within the locker room led by stars McDavid and Draisaitl. Goaltending remains the biggest concern, as it has been for as long as fans in Alberta can remember. However, the defense seems to have found its footing, and with Jake Walman’s addition, they look stronger heading into the postseason.

Draisaitl has been the best player on the ice for the Oilers all season long. So far in the season, the German star registers 101 points, thanks to his 49 goals and 52 assists, which rank first and eighth on the league, respectively. However, ahead of the trial by fire against the Jets, head coach Kris Knoblauch handed McDavid and the team troubling news.

Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on March 14, 2025 in Elmont, New York.

“Kris Knoblauch announces Leon Draisaitl is doubtful tonight against Winnipeg, is considered day-to-day,” NHL insider Elliotte Friedman stated on his X account.

While Draisaitl’s potential absence could turn huge for the Oilers during their matchup with the juggernaut, Jets, there is a positive takeaway for McDavid and Knoblauch.

Evander Kane returned to the ice, joining his teammates for the first time after undergoing a knee surgery on January 2025. Kane’s timeline is still unknown, but his participation during Edmonton’s morning practice is a good indicator of where he currently stands in his recovery.

Evander Kane #91 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up before a game against the before the game against the Dallas Stars in Game Six of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on June 02, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Kane won’t be rushed back on the lineup, and the primary focus for Knoblauch and his staff will be to get him as healthy as possible for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. All the eyes in Edmonton are set on the Cup. Fortunately, their upcoming tilt with the Jets, will help paint a better picture of where the Oilers stand heading to the postseason.