Connor Brown returns for the Stanley Cup final opener as the Edmonton Oilers face off against the Florida Panthers. After missing practice due to illness and two playoff games due to a hit from Alexander Petrovic, he declared himself ready to go. Brown has contributed five goals and three assists in 14 playoff games this season. In his absence, Jeff Skinner stepped up in Game 5, scoring his first playoff goal as the Oilers clinched a rematch with the Panthers, who previously defeated them in last year’s final after taking a 3-0 series lead.

The Panthers will be without A.J. Greer for Game 1 due to an undisclosed injury, further impacting their depth. Greer played in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final, notching two goals and an assist this postseason. As the stakes rise, both teams will need their star players to perform at their best to capture the championship.