Oilers' Knoblauch reveals McDavid out longer than expected with injury

McDavid first missed practice earlier this week after their game against the Calgary Flames, and information on his health has been vague since. McDavid has found some time to get on the ice before practices to work on skating and skills, but still hasn't joined the Oilers for a full practice. Yesterday McDavid looked great on the ice, but explained his decision to sit out of the game as precautionary.

McDavid never committed to playing against Vancouver, but many were optimistic that he would be able to return by now. Sitting out yesterday being a back-to-back made sense, but clearly McDavid and the Oilers are exercising extra caution to not aggravate any existing injury. McDavid himself explained his injury as lower body, but also some nagging problems he's dealt with through the season.

If these games were playoff games, there's little doubt McDavid would find the strength to suit up. It's great that he has the ability now to rest this injury as the Oilers play pretty much meaningless hockey down the stretch, but in any capacity, it's very worrisome to even think that McDavid isn't 100% healthy heading into the playoffs. Hopefully this week off of games really helps McDavid, particularly with any bagging injuries.

Still sitting at 99 assists on the season, it's pretty much a given that McDavid will return for at least one or two games to get back up to speed, and notch his historic 100th assist of the year.