Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid will be out ‘months’

Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli confirms that Connor McDavid broke his left clavicle, will be out for months, but says he will come back even stronger and will be like a trade acquisition upon his return.

The Edmonton Oilers have announced rookie sensation Connor McDavid will be out indefinitely after sustaining a broken left clavicle Tuesday night in Edmonton.

Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli said McDavid will be out “months.” Chiarelli added McDavid will require surgery.

The first overall pick in this year’s draft was hurt after he crashed heavily into the boards.

McDavid had 12 points in 12 games this season and was named rookie of the month for October.

The 18-year-old will have surgery today, according to Chiarelli. While there is no definitive timeline for recovery, Sportsnet’s Mark Spector believes McDavid could still challenge for the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year with a return to the lineup if he can return to the lineup by February.

Winger Jordan Eberle is inching closer towards a return to the lineup after suffering a shoulder injury during training camp, which would help offset the loss of McDavid. Forward Leon Draisaitl, who was recalled last week, has three goals and seven points in three games. Chiarelli intimated that he is a potential candidate to move from the wing to centre in McDavid’s absence.

McDavid had 120 points in 47 games last season for the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters and helped lead Canada to a gold medal at the world junior championship.

(With files from CP)

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