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Connor McDavid's injury has given $112,000,000 Oilers star "opportunity to step up even more," opines Jason Gregor
Connor McDavid suffered a lower-body injury during the Edmonton Oilers' 6-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday. According to a report by Liam McCormick of the "Oilers Daily," McDavid is expected to be sidelined for at least two games.
On his show "The Jason Gregor Show," analyst Gregor shared his thoughts on McDavid's absence, noting that it's an opportunity for Leon Draisaitl to step up.
Gregor highlighted Draisaitl's strong performance this season. He pointed out that the rest of the forwards need to up their game as well, with only six goals combined among them. He said:
"You got a lot of guys who need to produce more. Connor McDavid was one, but he's out now, and hopefully, it's short-term, we'll get a better sense tomorrow. We know for sure it's one game.
"I look at the orders, the record without McDavid. They haven't played a lot of games without him right outside of his rookie season, funny enough, they had a better points percentage without him than they did with him.
"So Leon Draisaitl here's his opportunity to step up even more than he is now, but he's going to need some help. It's hard to get assists if no one else can put the puck in the net. So he'll need some help," he added.
Leon Draisaitl signed an eight-year, $112 million extension with the Oilers. He has accumulated 10 points through six goals and four assists in as many games for the club this season.
Former NHLer critiques Edmonton Oilers coach after loss to Blue Jackets
Former NHLer Terry Ryan expressed his concerns about Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch following the disappointing 6-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday.
On "The Jason Gregor Show," Ryan expressed concern about Knoblaunch's coaching:
"Watching that game to me, nor am I saying I really, really think Knoblauch’s doing a great job. This isn't like a permanent criticism, but sometimes you get (caught) sleeping. I don't know if it's Stanley Cup hangover.
"But what I can tell you is that, but if this is another time, another place, it was the kind of game that gets a coach fired because I'm looking at it going, it's one thing to lose McDavid, now, how are you going to respond."
The Oilers return to action to face the Nashville Predators on Thursday. The puck at Bridgestone Arena drops at 8 p.m. ET.
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