Connor McDavid will be returning to the ice sooner than what was expected.
The Oilers superstar is set to return from his ankle injury as Edmonton takes on the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night, the team announced.
McDavid participated in line rushes at practice Wednesday, flanked by Zach Hyman and Jeff Skinner on the team’s top line.
McDavid has been out since last Monday after suffering the injury in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He returned to practice for the first time this past Monday to participate in an optional skate.
“Feels pretty good,” McDavid said after Monday’s practice. “Not too much limiting me on the ice. I’m happy with how it feels.”
He was considered day-to-day, with the team waiting to see how he would respond to Monday’s practice before making any big decisions. He did not play in Monday’s 3-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils.
Last Wednesday, Knoblauch told reporters that the team had avoided the worst-case scenario with McDavid’s injury and he was only expected to miss two to three weeks.
The injury appeared to occur just after the opening faceoff as McDavid was chasing a puck dumped into the offensive zone. He was tripped alongside the boards and seemed to fall awkwardly, ramming his left foot into the side board.
McDavid was able to get up and skate off the ice on his own and remained on the bench for several minutes before heading to the dressing room. In total, he played just 37 seconds before leaving the game.
“When it first happens, obviously you’re concerned that it’s maybe something a little more serious,” McDavid said Monday. “Thankfully I got good news on it. I’ve been doing everything possible to make it feel better and I’m not just sitting around waiting for it to feel better.”
McDavid has three goals and seven assists in 10 games this season for the reigning Western Conference champs.
McDavid had missed just eight games in the past four seasons prior to this injury.
The Oilers visit the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night as they look to get back into the win column.
