Connor McDavid will get a little draft eligible company on the injured reserve.

Seattle Thunderbirds center Mathew Barzal, 10th overall in Future Considerations’ November ranking for the 2015 NHL Draft, is expected to be out until early January with a cracked kneecap.

“Barzal’s injury is definitely a big disappointment,” Future Considerations WHL head scout Zenon Herasymiuk said. “There were very high expectations for him to take the next step forward in his development and this injury will certainly slow down his momentum. Hopefully he can come back in the New Year and show scouts that his talent is worthy of a high pick in next June’s draft.”

Through 16 games this season, Barzal recorded seven goals and 18 points.