The Edmonton Oilers announced that they will be without their captain and on-ice leader, Connor McDavid, due to an ankle injury sustained during Monday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Initial reports indicated that McDavid is expected to be sidelined for approximately two to three weeks, which comes as a slight relief after NHL insider Elliotte Friedman noted that McDavid avoided a 'worst-case scenario' regarding the injury.
The injury occurred just moments into the game when Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski inadvertently tripped McDavid, causing him to collide with the boards. Werenski addressed the situation, emphasizing there was no intent behind the play and expressing his sympathy for McDavid's situation. He remarked, 'It's just really [lousy]. It [stinks]. He's the best player in the world. You want him on the ice.'
During this early part of the season, McDavid has already accumulated 10 points, consisting of three goals and seven assists, solidifying his role as the primary playmaker in Edmonton's offensive strategy. His impressive track record, having led the league in assists for the past two years and in points multiple times throughout his career, places significant expectations on the Oilers as they navigate the season. McDavid's absence will undoubtedly impact the team’s performance, placing greater responsibility on players like Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Adam Henrique, and Derek Ryan to step up and maintain competitiveness in light of their current 4-5-1 record.
