Edmonton Oilers Before Connor McDavid suffered a lower body injury in the first period of Monday’s game against Columbus Blue Jackets and did not return.

TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported that Columbus’ first words were that the injury wasn’t too serious, but head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters that McDavid would return to Edmonton to be re-evaluated. Leaving the trip means McDavid is expected to miss Thursday’s game against the Nashville Predators, with Edmonton then returning to Alberta for a road clash with the Calgary Flames.

The injury occurred on the first shift of the game as McDavid fought for the puck in the offensive zone.

Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski appeared to trip McDavid, who fell onto the boards. No penalty was assessed on the play.

The Oilers captain tried to stay in the game, but ultimately skated to the bench under his own power and did not make another shift.

Edmonton ended up losing to the Blue Jackets 6-1 on Monday, dropping their record to 4-5-1 to start the season.

“He’s our leader and also the best player in the game,” said Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. “So, of course, you’re going to feel it. We need to do a better job of stepping in when a guy like that goes down.

McDavid has played nine games this season with the Oilers and has three goals and seven assists.