There is a minor rule that is preventing the Edmonton Oilers from calling up a player after the Connor McDavid injury news.
The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a tough situation, that they need to make the most of.
Connor McDavid will miss at least one or two games. They have a 1-3-1 record. They are fifth in the Pacific Division. There is a silver lining.
The Oilers have only played five games.
American Thanksgiving is on November 23rd this year - exactly one month away. Typically, around 75% of the teams that are in a playoff position at American Thanksgiving remain there come the end of the regular season.
So the Oilers have one month to get themselves into a playoff position. However, the NHL isn't doing them any favors.
Because McDavid's injury isn't more serious, the Oilers can't get any cap relief by putting him on LTIR. As a result, they have no salary cap space to call up a player.
Now the Oilers only have 18 skaters and two goalies - which is an 11-7 formation.
Newcomer Sees Diminishing Minutes With Oilers
Related: Bedard vs. McDavid Opportunity Botched by NHL
Related: Oilers' McDavid Could Miss Important Game
Related: Oilers Making Change on Defense
Related: Coyotes' Defenseman Defies NHL Ban