Oilers’ Connor McDavid ‘very likely’ won’t play in pre-season

Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland comments on handling Connor McDavid who’s attempting to return to the lineup from injury.

When the Edmonton Oilers host the Winnipeg Jets on Monday to kick off preseason play, Connor McDavid won’t be on the ice. In fact, general manager Ken Holland said Connor McDavid may not see any action this pre-season as he continues rehabbing a knee injury.

Holland, speaking in a media scrum at the Edmonton Country Club Tuesday, said McDavid will play “either one at most, or very likely zero” pre-season games.

“We’re gonna be conservative,” Holland said. “We’re gonna be safe (rather) than sorry. If he’s not ready for opening night, he’s not ready for opening night.”

Holland added that he thinks McDavid is “in a good spot,” and that he received one to two videos per week throughout the summer of McDavid skating and training in Toronto.

McDavid, who is coming off three consecutive seasons of 100 or more points, tore the PCL in his left knee on April 6 in the season finale against Calgary. The Oilers open the season at home against Vancouver on Oct. 2.

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