It's early in training camp, but Edmonton Oilers fans have already had a jump-scare about their team's fortunes for the 2026-27 season.
During a scrimmage on Friday, captain Connor McDavid appeared to be shaken up after being taken down by new defenceman Shakir Mukhamadullin and sliding into the net and goalie Connor Ungar. While the net was being returned to its moorings, McDavid slowly skated to centre, holding and moving his right arm, seemingly calling off the trainer, who returned to the bench.
The one bright spot for nervous Oilers fans was that McDavid pulled a nifty move to score on the ensuing penalty shot. However, after scoring, he again looked to be moving and holding his right arm.
The Oilers did not give an update on McDavid's status after the practice, but those who spoke to the media didn't seem concerned.
“He quieted any doubt right after on that penalty shot move,” Zach Hyman said. “So it's all good. It's kind of part of camp.”
The six-foot-four, 200-pound Mukhamadullin was acquired on July 1 by the Oilers from the Sharks, along with Zack Sharp, in the Darnell Nurse trade.
Veteran Mattias Ekholm, who has been paired with Mukhamadullin early in camp, was asked if he had spoken to his new teammate about the incident.
"Uh, ya," Ekholm replied.
The Oilers open the pre-season at home on Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets.
