Yes, there was a lot of concern when Connor McDavid went down with that ankle injury early in the Oilers’ 6-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The initial worry was that he could be sidelined long-term, which would have been devastating for Edmonton. Losing a star player like McDavid for an extended period would have severely impacted the team’s playoff hopes and overall momentum, so the speculation around his injury was a major talking point among fans and analysts alike.
Fortunately, it was later confirmed that Connor McDavid’s recovery timeline would only be about two to three weeks, which eased a lot of the initial panic. Now, based on the latest updates, there’s a possibility that his absence could be even shorter than expected, which is encouraging news for the Oilers and their fans.
Connor McDavid was back on the ice Monday morning at Rogers Place, participating in the Oilers’ optional skate. This was a significant step in his recovery, as it marked his first time on the ice since sustaining the injury. His presence at practice is a promising sign and suggests that his return could come sooner than initially expected.
McDavid is feeling good
After the optional skate, Connor McDavid spoke to the media about how he’s feeling and the updated timeline for his recovery. He said:
“I feel pretty good. It’s obviously nice to be back on the ice with the guys, and things are moving in the right direction. We’ll take it day by day, but I’m optimistic about getting back out there sooner than we originally thought.”
His positive outlook suggests he’s making solid progress and could potentially return to game action ahead of schedule.
McDavid shared an optimistic update, saying:
“It feels pretty good, not too limited on the ice. I’m happy with how it feels. … When it first happens, you’re concerned that it’s something a little more serious. But thankfully I could move on (the ankle), and I’ve been doing everything possible to make it feel better.”
His comments suggest he’s experiencing minimal limitations and has been proactive in his recovery, which bodes well for a quicker-than-expected return.
With these positive developments, it’s possible that Connor McDavid could return even sooner than the initial two-week timeline, potentially missing fewer than six games. If he continues to progress without setbacks, a return within the next week or so might be feasible, meaning he could miss as few as three or four games instead of six.
If his recovery continues at this accelerated pace, the Oilers might look at bringing him back during their upcoming stretch of games, potentially targeting a game where they feel his presence could make the most impact. Of course, the team will likely take a cautious approach to avoid any re-aggravation, so they’ll monitor his status daily before making a final decision.
Back as soon as the weekend?
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch felt it best to confirm that number 97 would not be available for Monday night’s home game against the New Jersey Devils. When asked directly about when he might return, McDavid said;
“We’re gonna go day by day here and we’ll see. I felt good out there today and we’ll see how it responds and go from there. … we tested it pretty good today.”
When it comes to making the final decision about when to return to action for the Oilers, McDavid is going to sensibly take on board all opinions. He said:
McDavid emphasized the importance of balancing his own judgment with medical advice, saying:
“Ultimately, it’s my body. I’m always going to have a say in how things go, but with that being said, the medical team and the doctor … I’ve been here long enough and gone through enough of these things to know how the process works. You’ve got to listen to everybody and listen to your body as well, to make the best call with all that information.”
His comments show a mature, cautious approach, indicating that while he’s eager to return, he’s committed to making a well-informed decision to ensure a safe comeback.
Next Up: Stuart Skinner Steps Up to Help Secure Oilers Win
Stuart Skinner has been stepping up when the Oilers need him most, showing resilience and consistency to help secure crucial victories in McDavid’s absence. His strong performances in net have been pivotal, allowing the Oilers to stay competitive as they await their captain’s return. Skinner’s ability to rise to the occasion has been a bright spot and a key factor in keeping the team in the hunt.
With two consecutive wins, the Oilers have proven they can secure results even without their star player. However, they also know that having McDavid back as soon as possible would be a major boost. Say it quietly, but there’s a chance—just maybe—that McDavid could be ready to face the Vancouver Canucks this Saturday night. His return would undoubtedly lift the team, especially with the momentum they’re building in his absence.
