Oilers' Archibald diagnosed with heart condition after having COVID-19

Edmonton Oilers forward Josh Archibald is out indefinitely due to myocarditis and had COVID-19 over the summer, head coach Dave Tippett said Sunday.

In late September, Oilers general manager Ken Holland confirmed Archibald was unvaccinated.

The forward is the second Edmonton player to have myocarditis, the inflammation of the heart muscle, after contracting COVID-19. Goaltender Alex Stalock is expected to miss this entire season after suffering the same fate.

Archibald has previously shared vaccine conspiracy theories. He was Canada's only unvaccinated NHL player, according to Sportsnet's Mark Spector.

The 28-year-old played the last two seasons with the Oilers. He collected seven goals and six assists over 52 games in 2021, which he spent largely in a bottom-six role. Archibald has also suited up for the Arizona Coyotes and the Pittsburgh Penguins, who drafted him 174th overall in 2011.