Connor McDavid is "working towards getting to camp" after suffering a season-ending knee injury during the final game of the 2018-19 campaign, he told reporters on Monday, according to TSN.
The Edmonton Oilers superstar isn't participating in the on-ice portion of BioSteel Camp this week, but he's been skating for at least "a couple months," the three-time All-Star said.
McDavid tore his PCL when he crashed hard into the post while driving to the net. The 22-year-old said he hasn't endured any setbacks during his recovery.
The Oilers play their first preseason game on Sept. 16 against the Winnipeg Jets. That tilt could mark the debut of James Neal, Edmonton's biggest offseason acquisition who was brought over in a trade with the Calgary Flames for Milan Lucic. McDavid's feelings about the move are mixed.
"Obviously disappointing to see a good friend in 'Looch' go," McDavid said. "He was someone that I got close with on the team, great guy, great family as well, definitely gonna miss them.
"But Nealer has a lot of upside. He's a guy that's won a lot in this league, scored a lot in this league ... obviously a down year last year but he's training (with Gary Roberts) and he's working as hard as I've ever seen him work."
Edmonton and Calgary square off twice this preseason, but the provincial rivals will wait until Dec. 27 before clashing in a meaningful game.
