Oilers avoid worst-case scenario with Connor McDavid injury

There is promising news for the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Wednesday the worst-case scenario has been avoided with McDavid. The star centre is expected to miss two to three weeks with a lower-body injury, but the exact timeline remains unknown.

The captain suffered the injury in the first period on Monday against the Columbus Blue Jackets and did not return to the game.

The injury appeared to occur just after the opening faceoff as McDavid was chasing a puck dumped into the offensive zone. He was tripped alongside the boards and seemed to fall awkwardly, ramming his left foot into the side board.

McDavid was able to get up and skate off the ice on his own and remained on the bench for several minutes before heading to the locker room. In total, he played just 37 seconds before leaving the game.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters after the game that McDavid was travelling back to Edmonton to get evaluated and would not play when the team visits the Nashville Predators on Thursday.

McDavid has three goals and seven assists in 10 games this season for the reigning Western Conference champs.

McDavid had missed just eight games in the past four seasons prior to this injury.

The centre is a three-time Hart Trophy winner as NHL MVP and a five-time league scoring leader. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy as top player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season.