Connor McDavid breaks silence on missing Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman
The Edmonton Oilers are entering a crucial stretch of the NHL season without two of their biggest stars, and Connor McDavid addressed that challenge ahead of a crucial road trip. With games lined up against the Utah Mammoth, San Jose Sharks, and Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton is focused on building momentum despite missing Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman. Speaking after practice on Monday, McDavid acknowledged the absence of the two key forwards.
He said the team is missing major pieces but stressed the need for others to step up. MORE: Connor McDavid chases Gretzky era greatness in pre-30 scoring race “Obviously, yeah, we’re missing two big pieces of our team,” McDavid said. “You know, and when that happens, everybody’s got to step up, and as I said, it’s, you know, we’re more focused just on this road trip here.
As I said, trying to get a couple of wins and kind of go from there. ” Rather than overthinking the situation, McDavid is trying to collect wins. Draisaitl and Hyman have combined for 66 goals this season, leaving a clear gap in Edmonton’s attack.
Draisaitl, who has 35 goals and 97 points, is dealing with an MCL injury and is expected back around the start of the playoffs. Hyman, with 31 goals, is managing a nagging issue and could return before the regular season ends. Offensive pressure on Connor McDavid amid Draisaitl and Hyman’s injuries Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29), left wing Zach Hyman at Rogers Place.
Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images Draisaitl and Hyman’s absence has tested Edmonton’s depth. The team has struggled at times on the power play without Draisaitl’s presence, and overall scoring has dipped in recent games, like in the 5-1 loss to Vegas. However, it has also created opportunities for younger players and secondary contributors to take on bigger roles.