Oilers Injury Report: Is Connor McDavid Playing Against Flames at the 2023 Heritage Classic?

(Photo : Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - Connor McDavid (#97) of the Edmonton Oilers looks on during the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center.

The Edmonton Oilers will host the Calgary Flames for the 2023 Heritage Classic on Sunday, October 29. However, is Connor McDavid playing against the Flames?

Based on the latest Connor McDavid injury update, the chances of seeing the 26-year-old center playing do not look promising. McDavid is dealing with an upper-body injury and is expected to miss 1 to 2 weeks, per an update by Hockey Insider Frank Seravalli.

#Oilers say Connor McDavid expected to miss 1-2 weeks with an upper-body injury.

The Heritage Classic is on Sunday vs. #Flames.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 22, 2023

The Oilers captain reportedly suffered the injury in his team's game against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday, October 21. He was forced out in the final minutes of regulation and never returned. The Jets won 3-2.

From a video clip from The Nation Network writer Jason Gregor, McDavid grabbed his right side as he exited the ice. McDavid did not play in the last 4:20 of the third period and was relegated to a spectator at Rogers Place, NHL.com reported.

Here was McDavid’s last shift. I know @jedrock43 can read lips. Did McDavid say “tore something” to TD Forss? pic.twitter.com/5tFXopNkBf
— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) October 22, 2023

Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft did not get into detail about McDavid's injury. However, he feels that it was a muscular injury, ESPN reported.

"I didn't walk back in there (locker room) yet, but I'm sure we'll have something tomorrow," Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft said. "It didn't appear to be anything, it appeared to be muscular more than anything to me as I watched during the play. We'll see. I'll have more information [Sunday]."

Oilers are in for rough remaining games

With McDavid missing time, the Oilers may find the going rough in their next assignments.

The Oilers roster is already at the minimum of 18 skaters and two goalies and will be unable to call up a skater from the minor league since they are without cap space, The Athletic reported.