Oilers center Connor McDavid, the prized prospect who became last summer’s No. 1 overall pick, sent Edmonton into a panic after suffering an upper body injury on Tuesday night. On a shorthanded rush late in the second period of the Oilers’ contest against the Philadelphia Flyers, McDavid – alongside a few Flyers defenders – went hard into the boards behind the Philadelphia net.
The 18-year-old got up and immediately seemed to be favoring his left shoulder/collarbone. He headed to the Oilers bench, where he stayed for the rest of the period, but he was spotted in a sling during intermission and was later ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Connor McDavid will not return to tonight's game. #PHIvsEDM
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 4, 2015
Oilers fans have to be holding their breath on the diagnosis, as McDavid is not only one of the most hyped prospects the NHL has seen since Sidney Crosby, he’s also their second-leading scorer. The center has gotten off to a pretty hot start in his rookie campaign, averaging a point per game (five goals and seven assists) through his first 12 contests.
Update: According to Oilers coach Todd McLellan, McDavid’s injury is significant and he will be out long-term.
Coach McLellan says @cmcdavid97 has an upper-body injury that will keep him out long term.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 4, 2015
Various reports indicate that the injury is a broken collarbone.
No official word on McDavid injury until Wed a.m. but it's believed to be a fractured collarbone.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) November 4, 2015