Connor McDavid’s injury is a challenge the Edmonton Oilers could have done without during this difficult start to the season, but head coach Jay Woodcroft believes number 97 could surprise many.
When you look at the calendar, you quickly notice a date. On Sunday, the team from Alberta will face their big rivals, the Calgary Flames, in an away game at Commonwealth Stadium.
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If we stick to the doctors’ predictions announced on Sunday, the star player should avoid activities to treat his upper body problems for one to two weeks. However, Woodcroft does not want to rule out the possibility of McDavid taking part in the Heritage Classic.
“I learned that with Connor, nothing is ever forbidden. I consider the timing of his absence announced yesterday to be good news. We’ll see how he goes, he just needs to get healthy,” he told reporters on Monday, according to the Sportsnet network.
At the time of his injury, Connor McDavid was second in team scoring with eight points in five games, one less than teammate Leon Draisaitl.
Edmonton had a difficult start to the season with a record of one win, three losses and one overtime loss. The Oilers will play their next game on Tuesday night when they visit the Minnesota Wild.
“They are always looking for ways to bring energy; “It certainly is,” admitted Woodcroft, who hopes his men will work harder in their leader’s absence. I think there were some positive signs in our team play.”
Multiple levels of pain
With McDavid on the sideline, the Oilers are also in a very unfortunate situation in terms of payroll.
The center won’t be sidelined long enough for the Alberta team to place his $12.5 million-per-year contract on the long-term injured list.
As a result, the Oilers now have the minimum number of players, 18 outfield players and two goaltenders, without having enough room on the payroll to recall anyone without sending a player back to the American League in return. Of the number of players currently available, they only have eleven attackers.
According to CapFriendly, the Oilers only have about $410,000, less than the National League minimum salary.