The Edmonton Oilers were without their captain at Tuesday’s practice.
Connor McDavid, fresh off being named MVP of the Olympic tournament and helping Canada to a silver medal, was not on the ice with the team in Anaheim.
McDavid led the 2026 Winter Olympics in scoring with two goals and 11 assists. His 13 points set the record for most points of any player in a single Olympic tournament with NHL participation. He was also picked as the tournament’s best forward.
With Sidney Crosby unavailable due to injury, the Oilers captain also donned the ‘C’ for the Canadians in both their semifinal win over Finland and gold-medal game loss to the U.S.
Though McDavid was absent, the other half of the Oilers’ superstar duo was on the ice Tuesday, as Leon Draisaitl returned to practice.
Draistaitl captained Germany at the Olympic tournament, recording two goals and five assists over five games. The Germans were eliminated by Slovakia in the quarterfinals.
The Oilers return to action Wednesday night in Anaheim against the Ducks, then head to Los Angeles to take on the Kings Thursday.
Edmonton (28-22-8) sits second in the Pacific Division with 24 games remaining on its schedule.