As per Mark Spector, Josh Archibald likely will not be a part of the Edmonton Oilers’ game plans this season. According to the reporter/journalist, “Edmonton Oilers winger Josh Archibald done for the foreseeable future after tests show a summertime bout with Covid 19 had led to heart condition myocarditis. Destined for LTIR, buying Oilers $1.5 M in cap space.”
Related: Robin Lehner Goes Off On the NHL, League Asks If He Wants Interview
Head coach Dave Tippett offered an update on Archibald after it was reported he wasn’t feeling well. The forward couldn’t get himself up to speed and just wasn’t himself or able to keep up in on-ice sessions. The team got more blood work done and the bad news was delivered this weekend. Tippett noted, “Here’s where we are with Arch (Josh Archibald). He’s had a lot of tests. Back half of the quarantine he wasn’t feeling right after skating. Tests showed he had Covid. He tested for the antibodies. He’s got myocarditis and is out indefinitely.”
Archibald is the second Oilers player to have a myocarditis diagnosis. Previously, goaltender Alex Stalock was diagnosed with the same condition and it was believed he would miss the entirety of the 2021-22 season. It is assumed Archibald will be ruled out for the season as well.
The Oilers will place the forward on LTIR and get $1.5 million worth of cap space relief.
Regardless of what you think about the vaccine the player’s choice not to get the vaccine or the policies surrounding how the NHL is approaching players and their need to be vaccinated to play, we can only hope for Archibald and his family’s sake he makes a full recovery.
It’s too early to know how this will affect his career long-term. The Oilers were going to be forced to make a decision on him as he had only one year left on his current deal.
Next: Duncan Keith Joins Oilers at Camp, Upset by NHLPA Lack of Support
Pingback: Connor McDavid Calls Chris Tanev Trip a ‘Dangerous Play’
Pingback: Connor McDavid Calls Chris Tanev Trip a ‘Dangerous Play’ – Hockey 1 on 1