'Edmonton's Connor McDavid Takes to the Ice for the First Time After Injury'
Connor McDavid was absent from Monday's game, but he did participate in an optional morning skate earlier in the day before the Edmonton Oilers faced off against the New Jersey Devils in Edmonton.
This was McDavid's first time skating since injuring his ankle during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 28th. The star center tripped over the stick of Columbus defenseman Zack Werenski and fell into the boards.
\"It feels pretty good,\" McDavid stated. \"There aren't many limitations on the ice. I'm pleased with how it feels.\"
Also see this picks:
Calgary Flames vs. Boston Bruins Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 7th 2024
Also see this picks:
Montreal Canadiens vs. New Jersey Devils Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 7th 2024
Initially, it was believed that he would be out for two to three weeks. However, Monday's 3-0 loss to the Devils marked the third game that McDavid has missed. The Oilers were able to win their previous two games without him.
\"When it first happened, I was worried that it might be something more serious,\" McDavid admitted. \"But fortunately, we received good news and I've been doing everything I can to make it feel better.\"
\"I'm not just sitting around waiting for it to heal. I'm trying different things. The team and medical staff have been great and understanding of my desire to play. It's all about finding a balance.\"
So far this season, McDavid has recorded three goals and seven assists for a total of 10 points in 10 games.
There is no specific date set for his return.
\"I haven't spoken to TD (Forss, head athletic therapist), but hopefully he'll be back sooner than we originally thought,\" Oilers' coach Kris Knoblauch said. \"Maybe within a week? We'll see. ... He's a competitor and he wants to be on the ice helping the team win. He knows his body and the doctors are giving him medical advice. Ultimately, it will come down to when the doctors believe it's best for him to return.\"
McDavid led the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final last season, where they ultimately lost in seven games to the Florida Panthers. Despite the loss, McDavid was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for being the Most Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He recorded an impressive 42 points (eight goals, 34 assists) in 25 games. McDavid has also won five Art Ross Trophies as the NHL's top regular-season point producer and three Hart Trophies as the regular-season MVP.
