Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, out with an ankle injury, took part in an optional skate Monday one week after he was hurt on his first shift of a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
‘It feels pretty good,’ he told reporters. ‘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.
The Oilers said Wednesday that he would be out two to three weeks. McDavid said he considers himself day-to-day.
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. He indicated he was taking it day by day and would see how the ankle reacts to the skating he did on Monday.
‘I’m always wanting to play,’ he said. ‘I’ve always wanted to be out there with the guys.’
Coach Kris Knoblauch said of McDavid’s status: ‘Hopefully, it’s sooner after we originally thought, but tonight, no. Day-to-day, maybe a week. We’ll see.’
The Oilers also have games this week on Wednesday and Saturday.
How have the Oilers fared without Connor McDavid?
The Oilers lost 6-1 to the Blue Jackets but have won their last two games. After a slow start to the season, the Oilers sit in a wild-card spot and are one game above .500 heading into Monday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.
Leon Draisaitl has totaled three goals and six points in those two games.
‘He’s such a great player and he doesn’t get enough credit,’ McDavid said of his teammate.
This story has been updated with new information.
