NHL Rumors: Insider shares reason why Connor McDavid's absence could be longer than expected

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid exited Monday's clash against the Columbus Blue Jackets just moments into the game. The team later announced he would not return due to a lower-body injury.

Coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters postgame that McDavid would head back to Edmonton rather than travel with the team to Nashville. There, McDavid will undergo further imaging and testing.

According to TSN's Chris Johnston, the Oilers will likely take a cautious approach with McDavid's health this season.

"At this point, I’m not expecting anything in the near future, but given who Connor McDavid is, given where we are in the season, I would expect an extreme amount of caution to be taken with his recovery," Johnston said.

"We know he won’t play Thursday, certainly, when Edmonton is in Nashville, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see the layoff be longer than that even if the injury itself isn’t that severe, just because they are going to want to err on the side of caution here."

Sports doctor shares his thoughts on Connor McDavid's injury on Monday

The injury to Connor McDavid appears less serious, as he was able to skate back to the bench. Sports doctor Harjas Grewal, who frequently comments on hockey injuries, suggested McDavid likely didn’t suffer a broken bone.

Using the limited video evidence of the game's broadcast, he shared his thoughts on X, formerly Twitter.

"No great angle of McDavid injury. Probably a mild left ankle sprain if you made me bet on it but that’s just pattern recognition of prior slides, no video evidence here. Definitely doesn’t look like a broken bone just based on amount of force and him skating after."

McDavid won’t play in Thursday’s game, but depending on his recovery, he could return Sunday. However, it’s more likely the team will hold him out until Monday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.