Avs' MacKinnon 'day-to-day' with upper-body injury

The Colorado Avalanche will be without leading scorer Nathan MacKinnon for at least Thursday's game against the Edmonton Oilers because of an upper-body injury.

MacKinnon was hurt after colliding with Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alexander Edler along the end boards in the second period of the Avs' overtime loss Tuesday. The Avs' 22-year-old centerman went to the dressing room favoring his shoulder and did not return to the game.

"He's day-to-day and he's going back to Denver to get evaluated," Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said Wednesday. "It doesn't look too serious at this point, but he'll miss (Thursday) and we'll see again for Saturday."

MacKinnon is considered a Hart Trophy (MVP) candidate after already surpassing his 2016-17 points total. He ranks second in the NHL this season with 61 points.

Before getting injured, he earned an assist Tuesday on J.T. Compher's second-period goal. MacKinnon has 61 points in 49 games after producing 53 while playing all 82 games last season.

"We hope it's not a real long injury. It doesn't look too serious. We don't know if he'll miss one game, two games or three ... we'll know a little more in the next couple of days," said Bednar. "He's been such a big part of our team all year. He creates a big hole in our lineup that someone has to fill and we'll miss him for sure because he helps us in so many different ways."

Rookie forward Alexander Kerfoot is expected to move up to MacKinnon's spot on the top line against the Oilers.

--Field Level Media