Key Players Set to Return for Round 1 Against Kings

Edmonton Oilers fans can breath a sigh of relief as their team heads into the playoffs nearly at full strength. Head coach Kris Knoblauch shared promising updates on a trio of injured players ahead of the first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings, starting Monday at 10 p.m. ET.

• Evander Kane: The forward is nearing clearance to return from knee surgery that has sidelined him for the entire season. “Just going off last year… how I felt that year and what I was able to do, that gives me confidence with how I feel now,” Kane said. Last season, he recorded 24 goals and 20 assists in 77 games for the Oilers.
• John Klingberg: The defenseman, who sustained a lower-body injury, and forward Trent Frederic (ankle) could both play in Game 1, according to Knoblauch.
• Troy Stecher: While the defenseman skated Saturday morning, he is not expected to be available until later in the series due to an undisclosed injury.

The Oilers will be without defenseman Mattias Ekholm for the series, but Knoblauch confirmed that the rest of the injured players are “doing well.” Stars like Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, who have missed time recently, are expected to suit up in Game 1.

Kane and Klingberg Bring Offensive Punch

Kane and Klingberg bring significant offensive firepower to the Oilers’ lineup. Acquired mid-season, Klingberg scored one goal and four assists in 11 games with the Oilers after recovering from hip surgery with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Frederic, acquired from the Boston Bruins before the trade deadline, has not played since re-aggravating an ankle injury on April 5. Stecher, who tallied three goals and four assists in 66 games, is not expected to play until later in the series.

Oilers vs. Kings Rivalry Renewed

The long-standing rivalry between the Oilers and Kings resumes in the first round, with live coverage available on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.