Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid will return from his ankle injury on Wednesday night, ahead of schedule.
McDavid, who was hurt on his first shift of a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 28, was originally supposed to be out two to three weeks. That timeline got moved up Monday when he took part in an optional skate.
‘It feels pretty good,’ he told reporters after that session. ‘Not really too much limiting me on the ice.’
McDavid was tripped on an uncalled penalty during the first period as he entered the Blue Jackets’ zone in a 6-1 loss and slid into the boards. McDavid got up and skated slowly to the Oilers’ bench, holding up his left leg.
McDavid is a three-time league MVP and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after the Oilers lost to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
He has 10 points in 10 games this season.
How long will Connor McDavid be out?
The team’s initial prognosis was McDavid would miss two to three weeks. But the team said he would be in the lineup Wednesday night against the Vegas Golden Knights, nine days after the injury.
‘I’m always wanting to play,’ he said after Monday’s skate. ‘I’ve always wanted to be out there with the guys.’
How did the Oilers fare without Connor McDavid?
The Oilers lost to the Blue Jackets but won the next two games before being shut out Monday by the New Jersey Devils.
Leon Draisaitl totaled three goals and six points in the two wins.
‘He’s such a great player and he doesn’t get enough credit,’ McDavid said Monday of his teammate.
(This story has been updated with new information.)
