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Oilers Forward Misses Practice with Illness on the Eve of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 2:21 PM ET

The Oilers got some bad news today at practice, as Connor Brown did not take part due to an illness, now putting his Game 1 status in jeopardy.

Connor McDavid was back on the ice at Tuesday's Oilers practice after leaving it early on Sunday. Now missing, however, was winger Connor Brown, who had skated with the team on Sunday and was expected to be in for Game 1, initially.

Associated Press hockey writer Stephen Whyno reported some very unfortunate news on Brown.

'Connor Brown is sick, and thus not skating. Kris Knoblauch said yesterday he expects Brown to play Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final tomorrow night.'
- Stephen Whyno

Jack Michaels of Oilers radio also revealed an update on Brown, although he sounded slightly optimistic.

'No Connor Brown on the ice-but he's expected to be ready for tomorrow. Oilers making a ninth appearance in the Stanley Cup Final-a record for a non-Original Six team.'
- Jack Michaels

This hopefully means that Brown's illness isn't too serious, but there are no official guarantees anymore that he will be in tomorrow night.

The Oilers got a surprise visit at practice today

One of the greatest all-time NHL coaches was present at Oilers practice today, which was reported by Jim Matheson. Scotty Bowman was in the house, and moving pretty fast too!

«Greatest coach of them all Scotty Bowman is in the house for Oiler practice. Bowman is 92 and while moving slowly with a sore knee is still sharp as a tack. Here to see his son Stan.»
- Jim Matheson

Once an official update on Brown is announced, we will be sure to pass that information along to you.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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