EDMONTON, AB - On Wednesday, Oilers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Ken Holland, as well as Head Coach Dave Tippett, updated the status of Captain Connor McDavid, who suffered a torn PCL in the final game of the 2018-19 season and has been recovering since.
"First off, the doctors are making the final decision," started Holland, speaking before a crowd of reporters outside the Oilers Dressing Room.
McDavid said he would like to suit up for a pre-season match before the '19-20 regular campaign begins but is keeping that decision up to the medical staff.
"Secondly, we're going to err on the side of caution but obviously if the doctors sign off and Connor wants to play, then we'll play him in the pre-season," Holland continued.
The Orange & Blue have two pre-season games remaining this week - on Thursday against the Canucks and Friday versus Calgary - then another three tune-ups next week.
Oilers Head Coach Dave Tippett is remaining patient and wants to see how the next few days go before making a decision. The Oilers are expected to go on a team retreat to Kelowna, BC, after Friday's Battle of Alberta.
"I think we're going to get through the weekend then re-evaluate him once we get back from Kelowna and see where we are," said the Oilers coach.
Holland is still hopeful No. 97 will be in the lineup when Edmonton hosts Vancouver for the season opener on Oct. 2.
"I think we're pretty optimistic for opening night," he said.
"Does he play a pre-season game? We'll get to Kelowna, we'll practice and then we'll make the determination. Ultimately, it's the doctor's final say."
BLOG: Holland, Tippett update McDavid's status
"We're going to err on the side of caution but obviously if the doctors sign off and Connor wants to play, then we'll play him in the pre-season," said Oilers GM and Pres. of Hockey Ops Ken Holland
