Connor McDavid injury update: NHL analyst provides positive update on Oilers star

NHL analyst Tom Gazzola shared a positive update on Connor McDavid's injury. He tweeted that McDavid skated at Rogers Place, testing his ankle. This is a good sign for his recovery, as he is the leader of the team and their main offensive player alongside Leon Draisaitl.

Gazzola tweeted on X:

"Some early positive signs on the Connor McDavid injury front. McDavid was on the ice for a skate this morning testing out his ankle at Rogers Place (DCA due to UFC & Arkells concert this weekend on main rink)."

The Edmonton Oilers announced that McDavid is expected to miss 2-3 weeks due to the ankle injury. He got hurt on Monday, and it was initially labeled as a lower-body issue.

"#Oilers captain Connor McDavid sustained an ankle injury during Monday's game in Columbus & is expected to return to action in two to three weeks." Oilers tweeted on X.

If he returns on November 14, he will miss six games. The Oilers are averaging just 2.20 goals per game.

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Lineup changes for Edmonton Oilers in Connor McDavid's absence

The Edmonton Oilers will play against the Nashville Predators without Connor McDavid. The team announced that Noah Philp will make his NHL debut on Thursday against the Nashville Predators.

Also, the Oilers have adjusted their lineup. Jeff Skinner has moved up to a top-six role. Following this change, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has shifted to center position.

The lineup for the game is:

• Podkolzin, Draisaitl, Arvidsson
• Skinner, Nugent-Hopkins, Hyman
• Janmark, Henrique, Brown
• Caggiula/Ryan, Philp, Perry

On defense, the pairs are:

• Ekholm, Bouchard
• Nurse, Dermott
• Kulak, Emberson/Stecher

The starting goalie will be Calvin Pickard, with Skinner as the backup.

"When you're missing someone who's playing about 22 minutes a night, there's a lot more rhythm & flow for those 3rd & 4th line players," Coach Knoblauch said.

The Oilers need to adjust quickly as they face the Predators.