Major Update: Elliotte Friedman Confirms Connor McDavid's Injury Status

The Edmonton Oilers were within one win of the Stanley Cup last year thanks to Connor McDavid, who has been an NHL phenomenon for almost ten years. Unfortunately, he left the game and never came back after suffering a nasty fall during his first shift against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman now reports that Connor McDavid will be sidelined for several weeks due to a lower-body injury he sustained during his first shift in Monday's game. The Oilers have a huge hole in their lineup as they prepare to play the Nashville Predators on Thursday after their captain was sent home from the team's road trip as a result. A few weeks is undoubtedly a bit of a bright spot for fans who were holding their breath, many of whom were worried that he might have been out for months.

For the Edmonton Oilers, who have had a less than stellar start to the 2024-25 NHL season, this is good news. Even though the team was in the Stanley Cup Finals only a few months ago, they haven't been able to unite. Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner, the team's recent additions, have both had sluggish starts to the season.

Following captain Connor McDavid's injury, the Edmonton Oilers called up two players: Drake Caggiula, who was a regular for the team in 2017-18, and Noah Philp, 26, who has not yet made his NHL debut and took the entire 2023-24 season off in what was thought to be retirement.

The Oilers will face an enormous challenge without their star player for at least the next two weeks because Connor McDavid is irreplaceable. However, they need to be able to adapt quickly. Edmonton's ability to endure until the return of their captain will be a true test of their depth and fortitude.