Oilers Get Definitive Injury Update on Top-Six Forward Before Stanley Cup Final
Oilers Get Definitive Injury Update on Top-Six Forward Before Stanley Cup Final originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Edmonton Oilers continued their preparation for the Stanley Cup Final on Sunday, holding their first full practice since eliminating the Dallas Stars in five games.
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Game 1 against the Florida Panthers is set for Wednesday night at Rogers Place, and the team appears to be trending toward a healthier lineup.
Forward Connor Brown, who exited Game 3 of the Western Conference Final after a hit from the Stars' Alexander Petrovic, returned to practice and confirmed his availability for the series opener.
The 31-year-old missed Games 4 and 5 of the conference finals with what the team vaguely described as an "undisclosed" injury.
Brown enters the Stanley Cup Final with eight points in 14 games, including five goals. He also appeared in all 82 regular-season games, contributing 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 total points and a plus-9 valuation.
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"I feel good," Brown said. "Nice to get a practice in with the team. Obviously, I haven't been practicing much. It's nice to get it going. I'm excited."
Although he joined his teammates on Sunday, it's still unclear which forward line he will be part of in Game 1.
"I've got no idea what the line combinations are," Brown said. "Obviously, I'm not trying to put my coaching hat on or anything like that.
"It's just my job to be ready to go."
Edmonton Oilers right wing Connor Brown (28), center Connor McDavid (97), and goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) celebrate an overtime victory.James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
Head coach Kris Knoblauch said he expects Brown to be in the lineup, but didn't provide any clarity on the lines.
"I think he will be fine," Knoblauch said. "Obviously, you saw him on the ice and double-shifting, and I'm pretty sure and confident that he will be fine for Game 1."
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Connor McDavid also left practice early on Sunday, prompting brief concern. However, Knoblauch clarified there were no issues with the Oilers captain.
Game 1 is scheduled for Wednesday in Edmonton, with puck drop set at 8 p.m. ET.
Related: Oilers 'Inquired' About $66 Million Goalie Before Trade Deadline
Related: NHL Insider Adds Fuel to Connor McDavid-Maple Leafs Speculation
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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