Connor McDavid replacements: Top 3 candidates to fill Oilers star's void in next game versus Predators

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid sustained a lower-body injury during Monday night’s matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

There's no word at the moment regarding the specific nature of Connor McDavid’s injury. However, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch hinted about a potential replacement to take McDavid’s spot in the lineup. In particular, there’s a chance that an AHL call-up could come up to the big club.

So, let’s take a look at three potential players to take Connor McDavid’s open spot in the Edmonton Oilers lineup.

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Top three candidates to fill Connor McDavid’s spot in the Oilers’ lineup

#3 Drake Caggiula

The 30-year-old Caggiula had a solid training camp, but he was sent down to Bakersfield, as there was no real spot for him in the lineup. Nevertheless, Caggiula has had a strong start to the season in the AHL, scoring two goals and three assists for five points in as many games.

Caggiula is a center but could slot into the wing. With the assumption being that all centers move up one line, Caggiula could slide into the fourth line with Corey Perry and Mattias Janmark. The fact that Caggiula is one of the oldest players on the Condors helps, as he’s got more experience than some of the other younger prospects.

#2 Lane Pederson

Pederson is an interesting option. He’s also on the older side at 27 and has some NHL experience with clubs like the San Jose Sharks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Arizona Coyotes and the Vancouver Canucks.

Last season, Pederson registered 52 points in 66 games with the Condors. This season, he’s off to a bit of a slow start, notching u[ two assists in five games. Still, Pederson can play center and the wing. That sort of flexibility gives Kris Knoblauch options, especially when looking to juggle lines throughout the course of a game.

#1 Mattew Savoie

This opportunity could be Savoie's chance to play a meaningful role with the Edmonton Oilers. He was the key piece in the Ryan McLeod trade with the Buffalo Sabres. As such, the Oilers are high on Savoie, hoping he can become a top-six NHL forward.

The Oilers might want to experiment with Savoie in the top six while Connor McDavid is out. Perhaps he could slide into the second line in place of Vasily Podkolzin.

Thus far, Savoie is off to a solid start with Bakersfield, scoring one goal and notching up five points in six games. It’s worth noting that Savoie was among the final cuts at training camp. So, fans shouldn’t be surprised to see Savoie as the first call-up.

The Oilers have a couple of off days until their next game against the Nashville Predators. So, the club has time to decide who could come up to fill in for Connor McDavid.