Oilers' McDavid expected to return Monday night: TSN

Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) celebrates a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during first period NHL action in Edmonton on Tuesday March 19, 2024.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid is expected to play Monday night against the San Jose Sharks, TSN has reported.

The Oilers captain missed three games with a lower-body injury: a win against Vegas and back-to-back weekend losses to Arizona and Vancouver, respectively.

Team doctors were "cautious" with McDavid to get him healthy before the playoffs begin next week, head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters Monday.

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After practice, McDavid, who has 31 goals and 99 assists in 74 games, said something was "bugging him" last week.

"This was not a let's sit out games just to sit out games," McDavid said. "Obviously there was something there that was bugging me and I was sitting out games to feel better. This was not a matter of if this was playoffs or not. Thankfully we clinched a playoff spot."

He skated with Adam Henrique and Zach Hyman Monday morning, Ryan Rishaug reported.

Forward Evander Kane will miss the game.

The Oilers host the Sharks at 7:30 p.m. before they visit Arizona and Colorado to finish the regular season.