“Got to do a better job,” Oilers STEP UP as Connor McDavid sustains lower-body injury in game against Blue Jackets

Oilers call backup players from the AHL as they are unsure of the return timeline for their captain Connor McDavid.

“Got to do a better job,” Oilers STEP UP as Connor McDavid sustains lower-body injury in game against Blue Jackets

Connor McDavid [Image Credit: Imago]

The Edmonton Oilers are still unsure about the return timeline for Connor McDavid after the team captain sustained a lower-body injury. The incident took place within 37 seconds, right after McDavid won the opening face-off.

He was tripped by Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, who noted that the incident was unintentional. McDavid tried to go after a loose puck while Werenski tried to step into the offensive zone and sent the Oilers captain sliding across the boards.

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Later, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch updated that Connor McDavid won’t be returning for the rest of the game and will undergo medical guidance. The team is to continue with their road trip as their captain will further wait and see the extent of the injury.

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There was nothing intentional at all. It’s a non-issue. I was just reaching for the puck and might have nicked him. It was really [lousy]. It [stinks].

Zach Werenski as per NHL.

While the team waits for further updates, the Oilers’ alternate captain, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, said the team needs to step up in the absence of their captain. He said, “We’ve got to do a better job of stepping up when a guy like that goes down.”

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McDavid’s presence on the team will be clearly felt by the Oilers until he returns to the ice. It can go both ways, as they’ll either have to wait for the long term or the captain returns to the lineup after the next one or two games. 

Oilers call players from AHL amid Connor McDavid injury scare

Since the extent of the injury is unknown, it is hard to talk about the return timeline. For now, the Edmonton Oilers have called out two players from the AHL. Forwards Noah Philp and Drake Caggiula will join the trip shortly until Connor McDavid returns.

Connor McDavid [Image Credit: Imago]
Connor McDavid [Image Credit: Imago]

Fans are worried for their captain after he awkwardly fell on the ice. The start of the regular season did not go as planned, as they are currently off to a 4-5-1 start. They also lost the game against the Blue Jackets with a devastating 6-1 score.

The two AHL players will be put on standby. Among them, Caggiula has played in 282 NHL games, while Philp has yet to play in the big league. In the AHL, he recorded 19 goals and 18 assists for 37 points in 70 games. 

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On the other hand, Caggiula recorded 13 goals and 24 assists in 43 games for 37 points. The team will give further updates on McDavid after detailed examinations are over.