Connor McDavid may miss more time than initially believed by Edmonton Oilers

Leon Draisaitl has got back into the ice today which is an encouraging sign for his recovery, but Connor McDavid may be out for longer than expected.

Connor McDavid initially sustained his injury after a dirty crosscheck from Winnipeg Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey. It didn't look too bad initially, but McDavid skated off the ice in clear discomfort and didn't return to the game.

Immediately after the game, the Oilers didn't seem too concerned about McDavid's injury - and initially only ruled him out for their next game against Seattle.

However, after McDavid and Draisaitl went to get medical imaging, the Oilers captain has been ruled out for longer. With both Draisaitl and McDavid ruled out for the games this week, and McDavid still not at practice, he may not be able to return until the Oilers game on April 3rd.

Obviously it's a major drawback to lose Connor McDavid in the short term, but the hope is that losing him for this stretch may engage the rest of the Oilers roster to elevate their game before playoffs.

More than that, it could even be seen as a pre-playoff tryout for the lineup in Game 1. Coach Knoblauch will have to make a tough choice to cut some rostered players from the lineup, and now is their time to prove they shouldn't be cut.

Against the Dallas Stars tonight, the Oilers will have an e trebly difficult test. Hopefully they can rally around their lost stars, and Keep their ground in the standings for home ice advantage in the playoffs.