Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid was back on the ice Thursday, a day after receiving a two-to-three timeout with his ankle injury.

TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston reports there is early optimism that McDavid could be back sooner than expected.

“Thursday morning, Connor McDavid laced up the skates just to test things out with his ankle injury,” Johnston explained on Insider Trading. “I had a chance to talk to his agent, Judd Moldaver from Wasserman. He basically said, ‘Look, things are pretty encouraging here.’ I mean, there was real concern, obviously, when McDavid left the game earlier this week, went home and took the battery of tests that he did And you get that two-to-one delay. three weeks. But you know, at this point they’re going to have to take it day by day, make sure he doesn’t have any setbacks.

“But he’s a player who has returned earlier than expected and I won’t make any predictions at this stage – but all signs point to him being back up and running here as soon as possible.”

Leon Draisaitl led the Oilers to a 5-1 victory over the Nashville Predators on Thursday without McDavid, but a quick return would be welcome with a busy schedule.

McDavid’s injury occurred during the first period of Monday’s 6-1 loss to Columbus, as McDavid fought for the puck in the offensive zone. Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski appeared to trip McDavid, who fell onto the boards. No penalty was called on the play. The Oilers captain attempted to stay in the game, but ultimately skated to the bench under his own power and did not make another shift.

McDavid has three goals and seven assists in 10 games with the Oilers this season. The 25-year-old forward scored 32 goals and 132 points in 76 games last season, after also missing time early in the campaign with a lower-body injury.

Richmond Hill, Ontario. The native has surpassed the 100-point mark in seven of the last eight seasons, winning the Art Ross Trophy as a league leader five times. he is also a three-time Hart Trophy winner, 2023 Rocket Richard winner and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy last spring.

“He’s our leader and also the best player in the game,” said the Oilers forward. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins McDavid said Monday. “So, of course, you’re going to feel it. We need to do a better job of stepping in when a guy like that goes down.

The Oilers improved to 5-5-1 to start the season with Thursday’s win and will visit the Calgary Flames on Saturday.