Connor McDavid’s broken clavicle is healing, but not as quickly as the Oilers would’ve hoped.
On Saturday, head coach Todd McLellan told members of the media that McDavid won’t return before the All-Star break.
"We've determined Connor is not physically ready to play between now and then." Coach McLellan on @cmcdavid97's rehab progress
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 9, 2016
The 18-year-old was injured after crashing into the boards in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Nov. 3 (above).
The Oilers are still in the playoff hunt, so they need McDavid back as soon as possible, but it’s smarter for them to keep his long-term health in mind.
The rookie had five goals and 12 points in 13 games before going down.
Defenseman Oscar Klefbom is also expected to return after the All-Star break.
Klefbom might not be as big a name as McDavid, but the Oilers have missed him.
McLellan says Klefbom has been missed just as much as McDavid. Still no timetable for his return, probably at least until after AS break.
— Jack Michaels (@EdmontonJack) January 9, 2016
The 22-year-old has missed each of Edmonton’s last 12 games with a broken finger.
Nail Yakupov (ankle) could return as soon as Tuesday night’s game against the ‘Yotes.
No setbacks involved in McDavid situation. Yakupov won't play tomorrow but may give it a tryTuesday in Arizona.
— Jack Michaels (@EdmontonJack) January 9, 2016