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SLOW TRAIN COMING
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Lowetide
Jan 29, 2016, 02:10 UTCUpdated: Invalid DateTime
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Sometimes the draft feels like a newer memory than Connor McDavid in an NHL game. The young man is in Bakersfield working toward a return date that we hope is February 2, 2016. Will he play that night?
Connor McDavid is talking, and the sound bites carry some interesting news to Edmonton. One of the things many of us wondered about? When he received clearance to engage in all practice activities.
  • Connor McDavid: “The whole point of this was kind of to take some contact, I was cleared
    for contact right before the All-Star break    , I didn’t have a chance to
    that with the guys (in Edmonton) so it’s a good chance down here to take
    some bumps and really battle hard and test it out and see how it
    feels.”     Source
Important piece of information, as the time line for return has been vague all along, with that one major item (cleared for contact) never confirmed through the months of November and December—and much of January.
After years and years of being criticized for bringing players back too soon (you know the list), the Oilers may have erred on the side of caution with their phenom. I am not a doctor and do not have access to McDavid’s situation—be wary of those who blindly criticize without specific knowledge—but even if that is the case I think caution with McDavid is probably a good idea. Make sure he is healed and ready.

SO, NEXT WEEK RIGHT?

Maybe. Again from the Lebrun article:
  • Connor McDavid: “There’s still a process to go through to be cleared to play and I’m
    going through that now. Whether it’s Feb. 2 or not, I’m not too sure right now, but obviously
    it’s sometime not too long after the All-Star break.”     Source
It is nice to know there is a protocol in place and the date for return appears uncertain. I have read countless tweets and articles about how ridiculous the Oilers are to be this careful, but if McDavid gets hurt again many of the critics would probably be at the front of the line to call the organization irresponsible.
Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

The Oilers are under new management. Information about injuries and personnel decisions are not delivered in a timely manner and the reporters and media folks charged with uncovering stories appear to be having a tougher time. It is not an easy job with a forthcoming GM (I am sure, have not done the job, it seems a tough one), must be close to impossible to get good information in time for deadlines.
Frustrating for everyone, fans, media, doctors, would-be doctors and Oilers Nation in general. Connor McDavid is closer today than he was yesterday. News by sundial, see you after the All-Star break.

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