McDavid says Oilers need to be ready early as expectations grow for Edmonton ahead of new NHL season
Global News
"Last year was a step forward, but we've got to come in here and start all over again," Connor McDavid told reporters after players scrimmaged at the Downtown Community Arena.
The Edmonton Oilers’ training camp does not get underway until later this month but a number of players are already skating together in Alberta’s capital. That is something the team’s captain and leading scorer last season suggests bodes well for the mentality needed to build off the club’s success in the 2022 NHL playoffs.
“Last year was a step forward, but we’ve got to come in here and start all over again,” Connor McDavid told reporters Monday after players scrimmaged at the Downtown Community Arena. “There’s lots of expectations this year — both outside and in the locker-room.
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It’s been just over three months since the Oilers were knocked out of the playoffs in the NHL’s Western Conference Final by the Colorado Avalanche, who went on to hoist the Stanley Cup.
McDavid noted how the Avalanche got key contributions from all kinds of players en route to their championship.
“It takes everybody and it takes all season long,” he said. “You look a little bit at what Colorado had… a lot of injuries.
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McDavid noted that young prospects who may or may not make the Oilers’ NHL club should be ready in the event opportunity knocks, even if they start the season in the American Hockey League.