Oilers wrap Kelowna visit

When NHL teams want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city lights, and distractions, Kelowna seems to be one of their destinations of choice.

With a four-day break between pre-season games, the Edmonton Oilers took the opportunity to do just that.

Saturday on the golf course was followed by two days of practice before the bus rolled out early this afternoon.

Oilers head coach Dave Tippett said it was good to get away for a couple of days.

"You get on the road, the players get together, they spend time together, they have dinner together," said Tippett.

"There's something about getting on the road, there's not the draw to go home and just stay at home. You have to assimilate into the group. It's great to see our guys hanging around together, laughing together and enjoying Kelowna."

But, regardless of where they play, or practice, there's really only one question on the minds of reporters and Oilers fans – how is Connor McDavid and when can he expect to finally hit the ice in game conditions?

McDavid hasn't played since suffering a PCL injury after crashing into the goal post at high speed in the final game of the regular season.

Speaking to reporters after practice, Tippett agreed McDavid looked good Monday.

"He sets the pace out there, which is nice, because a lot of other guys have to make sure they are trying to catch up to that pace. It picks up the whole pace of practice."

The big question now, asked almost daily: is he healthy enough to play in one of the three remaining pre-season games?

"I think (doctors) are going to talk about it later today. I think he would like to get into some games before the end of the week," said Tippett.

"It comes down to making sure the doctors have clearance for it. It will be a group discussion. He's got to be comfortable with it, the doctors have to be comfortable with it, then Ken (Holland) will come to me and we'll decide if it's the right thing to do."