McDavid Expected Back For Oilers

Connor McDavid appears to be drawing back into the Edmonton Oilers' lineup in their third-last game of the regular season. He has missed the last three games and it has taken him out of the race for the Art Ross even though he still has a shot at winning the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award this season.

The Oilers defeated the Vegas Golden Knights confidently, but then proceeded to lose to the Arizona Coyotes in overtime and the Vancouver Canucks in regulation while McDavid was out of the lineup. There has been some lineup shuffling ahead of the postseason since the Oilers have already clinched, and that should once again be the case.

McDavid comes back in as the top line center and will be flanked by Zach Hyman and Adam Henrique. This allows for Leon Draisaitl to have some help on his wings with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Warren Foegele. With Evander Kane being a game-time decision and likely sitting out, the third line of Corey Perry, Ryan McLeod, and Dylan Holloway seems to be together again. This is a great blend of speed, grittiness, and ability to get to the net to score goals.

McDavid has 31 goals, 99 assists, and 130 points in 74 games this season. He is looking to get a few reps in before the playoffs start and also hit 100 assists for the first time in his career.

Photo credit: © Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports