Top prospect Connor McDavid is expected to miss 5-6 weeks with a fracture of the 5th Metacarpal bone on his right hand according to the Erie Otters.
He will not require surgery.
The injury occured Tuesday night during a fight against Mississauga Steelheads center Bryson Cianfrone. McDavid failed to hit Cianfrone with a punch, instead connecting with the glass. The Otters’ captain received a major for fighting and a game misconduct for taking off Cianfrone’s helmet.
It was McDavid’s second career fight and second of this season.
McDavid has 16 goals and 51 points in 18 Ontario Hockey League games this season.
He was a lock to star on Canada’s entry at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, which begin in just over six weeks. Team Canada begins its’ pre-tournament training camp Dec. 11 in Toronto. Given the 5-6 week time frame McDavid could theoretically be ready for the tournament barring a setback.
McDavid is projected to be one of the first two selections at next June’s NHL Draft.