The Oilers are not out to a hot start in 2023, suffering their fourth loss in the first five games on Saturday night. The last thing Edmonton needs is an injury to one of its stars, however that might be the case with the best player in the world.
Edmonton superstar Connor McDavid was unable to finish the Oilers' 3-2 overtime loss to the Jets on Saturday night due to an apparent injury. The captain did not play the last four minutes of regulation and was not on the ice for the extra frame.
Losing McDavid for any period of time is less than ideal for the Oilers, but especially when they are out to a 1-3-1 start to the season. McDavid, per usual, has done his part, pushing his season total to eight points through five games after recording two assists against Winnipeg. He has gotten on the scoresheet in every game, potting two goals and dishing out six assists.
MORE: Where Connor McDavid ranks on the NHL's top 50 players
The three-time Hart Trophy recipient has stayed healthy for a majority of his career in the NHL. Over the last three seasons, McDavid has missed just two regular season contests with Edmonton.
Here is the latest injury news and updates on McDavid.
How long is Connor McDavid out?
The Oilers announced on Sunday that McDavid is expected to miss one to two weeks with an upper-body injury.
INJURY UPDATE ⬇️
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 22, 2023
Connor McDavid suffered an upper body injury during last night’s game vs. the Jets & is expected to be out of the #Oilers lineup for one to two weeks. pic.twitter.com/qU5dNKuUcC
An intriguing note for Edmonton's upcoming schedule — the 2023 Heritage Classic is on Sunday, Oct. 29. The Oilers are set to play the Flames at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.
Based on that timeline, McDavid's chances of playing in the outdoor game don't look great.
Connor McDavid injury updates
During Saturday's loss to the Jets, McDavid was unable to finish the game after suffering an apparent injury to the side/hip area. The team has called it an "upper-body" injury.
The Sportsnet panel discussed a play in the first period involving Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey where McDavid may have been injured. Morrissey hauled McDavid down, causing the Oilers captain to land awkwardly and it appeared he reached for his side after the play.
here, as noted by the sportsnet panel, is where connor mcdavid *might* have been injured. pic.twitter.com/GKwfWXLxR0
— zach (@zjlaing) October 22, 2023
Morrissey received two minutes for holding as a result.
McDavid continued to play throughout the game, but late in the contest, it was evident something was bothering him. He took his final shift with just under five minutes left in regulation, and did not play again in the third period or in overtime.
this was connor mcdavid’s final shift in the 3rd period. he reached for this left hip/side/back as he entered the offensive zone and did so again as he left the ice. pic.twitter.com/e5XEWojaM0
— zach (@zjlaing) October 22, 2023
After the game, Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft said that the injury "appeared to be muscular", but he was not sure of the exact ailment as he hadn't talked to the team's training staff yet. Woodcroft said that he should have an update on Sunday.
Woodcroft on Mcdavid. “It appeared to be muscular... just to me as i watched during the play. we'll see. I’ll have more information tomorrow."
— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) October 22, 2023
He added he hasn’t spoke to trainers yet.
A 1-3–1 start and potential McDavid injury. Couldn’t imagine a worse start for the Oilers.
The Oilers have two days off before traveling to Minnesota to take on the Wild on Tuesday. Losing McDavid for any time is a blow for the Oilers, but an extended absence would be just adding to the nightmarish start to Edmonton's 2023-24 campaign.
