Holland: McDavid 'very likely' to sit out every preseason game

The Edmonton Oilers are going to play it safe with their superstar captain.

Oilers general manager Ken Holland told reporters Wednesday that he doesn't believe Connor McDavid will see much, if any, game action this preseason as the forward continues to work his way back from a leg injury suffered in the team's 2018-19 season finale.

"I think if he was healthy, probably ... two or three, but obviously it's a unique situation, so either one at most or very likely zero," Holland said. We've got three weeks to go and ... we're going to be conservative, (I'd) rather be safe than sorry. If he's not ready for opening night, he's not ready for opening night."

McDavid has been skating with his teammates in the lead-up to the exhibition schedule.

"He's scrimmaging and he's doing things three-on-three down low, so I think he's in a great spot, but we might as well be conservative and safe," Holland added.

McDavid said after Saturday's session that he felt good but cautioned that it's up to the team's medical staff to determine whether he'll be cleared to play in the season opener Oct. 2 against the Vancouver Canucks.

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