Sometimes initial reports about hockey injuries encourage excessive pessimism. Sadly, those outlooks might have been accurate in Connor McDavid’s case.
Edmonton Oilers coach Todd McLellan simply said that McDavid’s upper-body injury will keep McDavid out “long-term.”
That’s vague ... but not very promising.
McDavid was seen with his left arm in a sling not that long after his scary crash (seen above), leading people to speculate about a broken collarbone or shoulder separation. It’s not too clear what the specific ailment is or what the window of recovery will be, but teams don’t often say “long-term” so early without cause.
"He's disappointed he got injured. It's his rookie season and things were going very well." Coach McLellan on brief discussion with 97
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 4, 2015
For those who were jealous of the Oilers landing upon the McDavid pick, this is a window into how much of Edmonton’s progress comes from the super-hyped prospect.
For fans of the sport and the Oilers specifically, this is just terrible news.
The longer term Oilers response will say a lot, but let’s give Edmonton credit for digging deep and beating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2 tonight after that injury.
McDavid placed on LTIR.
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) November 4, 2015
TSN’s Bob McKenzie backs up the belief that he broke his collarbone:
No official word on McDavid injury until Wed a.m. but it's believed to be a fractured collarbone.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) November 4, 2015
As it turns out, Jordan Eberle may help to fill some of the void.
As long as there no setbacks, EDM's Jordan Eberle is tentatively scheduled to return to the Oiler lineup sometime this week.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) November 4, 2015