- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Oilers Unsure if Connor McDavid Will Play After Olympics
Edmonton captain may want to play, but team may hold him out against Ducks
Feb. 25, 2026 at 3:04pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Edmonton Oilers are back in action on Wednesday night against the Anaheim Ducks, but there is uncertainty around whether star player Connor McDavid will suit up. McDavid just returned from representing Canada at the Olympics, where they lost in the gold medal game. The Oilers organization reportedly wants to rest McDavid, but the captain may try to negotiate his way onto the ice despite the team's plans.
Why it matters
McDavid is the Oilers' franchise player and one of the biggest stars in the NHL. His availability has major implications for the team's chances of winning on any given night. The Oilers will need to balance McDavid's desire to play with the need to manage his workload and recovery after the Olympics.
The details
According to reports, the Oilers want to sit McDavid for Wednesday's game against the Ducks to allow him to rest after the Olympics. However, McDavid may try to convince the team to let him play, as he is known to be highly competitive and eager to get back on the ice. The Oilers will have to decide whether to heed McDavid's wishes or stick to their plan of resting the star player.
- McDavid played in the Olympic gold medal game on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
- The Oilers are back in action on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
The players
Connor McDavid
The captain of the Edmonton Oilers and one of the best players in the NHL. He just represented Canada at the Olympics, where they lost in the gold medal game.
Edmonton Oilers
The NHL team that McDavid plays for, who are set to take on the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night.
What’s next
The Oilers will need to decide whether to let McDavid play on Wednesday or hold him out to rest after the Olympics.
The takeaway
This situation highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between managing star players' workloads and allowing them to compete, especially after major international tournaments. McDavid's desire to play may clash with the Oilers' plans, putting the organization in a difficult position.
