Remember how there was all kinds of panic, after Connor McDavid suffered his ankle injury early in the 6-1 blowout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets? How there was speculation that he could be out for the long-term, which would have been a crushing blow to the Edmonton Oilers.
Fortunately for everyone concerned, the timeline for recovery was subsequently revealed to only be somewhere between two and three weeks for McDavid. Now though, it's potentially set to be an even shorter absence, at least based on the latest available information.
As reported by Sportsnet, the Oilers captain was on the ice Monday morning at Rogers Place, for the team's optional skate. This was important, because it was his first time back on the ice since he suffered his injury:
Connor McDavid is on the ice for the Oilers' optional skate at Rogers Place. 👀
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 4, 2024
📽️: @GenePrincipe pic.twitter.com/cv5c0CkrRx
McDavid is feeling good
Following the optional skate, the three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner was asked how he feels, as well as the improved timeline of his recovery. Speaking to the media, he said:
""It feels pretty good, not too limited on the ice. I'm happy with how it feels. ... When it first happens you're concerned that it's something a little more serious. But thankfully I could move on (the ankle), and I've been doing everything possible to make it feel better.""
Given these new developments, we're now at a point where McDavid may not even miss six games, which would be the result if he misses two weeks. So the question is, when might he now be back?
Back as soon as the weekend?
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch felt it best to confirm that number 97 would not be available for Monday night's home game against the New Jersey Devils. When asked directly about when he might return, McDavid said;
""We're gonna go day by day here and we'll see. I felt good out there today and we'll see how it responds and go from there. ... we tested it pretty good today.""
When it comes to making the final decision about when to return to action for the Oilers, McDavid is going to sensibly take on board all opinions. He said:
""Ultimately it's my body. I'm always going to have a say in how things go, but with that being said, the medical team and the Doctor ... I've been here long enough and gone through enough of these things to know how the process works. You've got to listen to everybody and listen to your body as well, to make the best call with all that information.""
With two straight wins, the team has shown they can get results without their best player, but also know the sooner he can be back the better. Say it ever so quietly, but maybe, just maybe, he will be ready to face the Vancouver Canucks this coming Saturday night ...