Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid exits early with injury

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Connor McDavid left the Edmonton Oilers’ game at the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night after getting injured on the first shift.

McDavid was chasing the puck past the Blue Jackets blue line when he tripped over Zach Werenski’s extended stick and slid into the boards skates first.

Bracing himself with his left arm, McDavid landed awkwardly and headed to bench as soon as he got up, 37 seconds in.

The Oilers said he would not return with what they called a lower-body injury.

The undisputed best player in hockey is coming off leading Edmonton to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP despite losing to the  Florida Panthers.

McDavid had 10 points in the team’s first nine games this season.