McDavid could miss Oilers-Flames Heritage Classic with injury
Connor McDavid might miss out on the 2023 Heritage Classic between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.
The Oilers captain suffered an injury during Saturday night’s 3-2 overtime loss against the Winnipeg Jets. The team sent out an update on Sunday saying McDavid will be out of the lineup for one to two weeks.
The Heritage Classic is set to go on October 29, which is exactly a week from when the team announced McDavid’s injury. The provided timeline does offer some hope that the reigning Hart Trophy winner will be able to head outdoors for the Battle of Alberta, but that would require a speedy recovery.
Fans are already lamenting how big of a loss it would be for the NHL to not have its best player on the ice for such a big game.
No McDavid for the heritage classic is actually a huge blow though. That's a real shame. But he needs to recover first and foremost
— Schmiddy The GOAT (@SchmiddyG) October 22, 2023
I know this is selfish, but damn I am sad that McDavid will likely miss the Heritage Classic. He's 97% of the reason why I am sacrificing my right arm for tickets to the game. š„ŗ
— Inside Oilers (@InsideOilers) October 22, 2023
No McDavid at heritage classic, this is so disappointing on so many levels.
ā Devon Wallace (@Devonwallace84) October 23, 2023
If McDavid can recover fast enough, this will be the second time that he’s played an outdoor game. The first came during the 2016 Heritage Classic when the Oilers visited the Winnipeg Jets at Investors Group Field. Edmonton won the game 3-0 and McDavid picked up an assist on the team’s second goal scored by Darnell Nurse.
The Flames might also be shorthanded for the game. Defenceman Rasmus Andersson was recently given a four-game suspension for a high hit on Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine. That fourth game happens to be the Heritage Classic. There is still hope that Andersson can play in the event, as the NHLPA will be appealing the suspension.
While McDavid might not be able to enjoy the festivities, fans attending the game will have plenty to do. Nickelback will be hosting a concert at the stadium during the second intermission, while the Beaches are performing a free show before the game at the neighbouring Clarke Stadium.
The Fan Park at Ice District will also be busy with a huge free festival going on from October 27 to 28.
Tickets are still available for the big game. You can check out what seats are available on the Ticketmaster website.
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