McDavid returns for the Oilers after a loss to the Golden Knights

McDavid has 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 11 games. He is eight points shy of 1,000 points in his career.

“He's obviously the most important part of the team, so he'll be missed when he's not there,” Oilers defenseman Brett Kulak said. “He brings something that no other player in the league brings, so it was nice to have him back out there and I think he felt good.”

McDavid had 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in 20 regular-season games against the Golden Knights prior to the contest. Vegas did a good job of containing him and Leon Draisaitl on Wednesday, keeping both of them off the scoresheet.

“We always try to work on him, there are no secrets,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “If you can minimize his speed through the neutral zone, he's forced to put pucks out, and then at least you have your winger making the plays and not him holding you back.” I thought we had that with Draisaitl too tried and tonight we were successful.”

McDavid will be back in the lineup when Edmonton (6-7-1) takes on the Vancouver Canucks (6-2-3) at Rogers Arena on Saturday (10 p.m. ET; CBC, SN, CITY).

“Obviously he’s our leader, the best player in the game,” Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins said. “So it makes a big difference for us.”