McDavid cleared for contact

The Edmonton Oilers are on pace to earn the number one overall draft pick yet again.

They could have a chance to draft Connor McDavid of the Erie Otters who is regarded as the probable top pick in next year’s draft. Right now, McDavid is focused on helping Canada win gold at the World Junior Hockey Championship. McDavid, who broke his hand last month, was cleared for contact at the junior selection camp.

Connor says his clearance for contact came right on schedule, and he’s had no trouble recovering from the broken hand he suffered last month: “The only thing that’s gotta’ come is timing and the only way to do that is through competition and contact so it’s gonna’ take a little time to get back.”

Before his injury, McDavid scored 51 points in 18 games with the Erie Otters, and he’s still fifth in OHL scoring.

Benoit Groulx, Team Canada Head Coach: “It’s a big boost for the confidence, 5 on 5 game and also for your special teams.”

Groulx says it was only natural for him to pair McDavid with his childhood teammate, St. Louis Blues draft pick, Robby Fabbri: “I think he’s the kind of player who can make anyone good. We just feed off each other.”

McDavid’s return to full contact comes one day after five players were returned to their club teams.

The roster will eventually be whittled-down to 22 players, but it now stands at 25 and they’re still waiting for a couple of NHL loaners: Curtis Lazar from the Ottawa Senators and Bo Horvat from the Vancouver Canucks.

Final cuts are expected sometime after Friday night’s exhibition game against Russia, back in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre.