Connor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers, has proven his management and is making an announcement early within the pre-season by requesting extra ice time to arrange for the 2024-25 NHL common season. In line with Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, McDavid approached head coach Kris Knoblauch over the weekend and advised the coach he needs to play the rest of the Oilers’ pre-season schedule.
Initially, McDavid was not slated to play in Monday’s 3-2 shootout victory over the Vancouver Canucks. However after informing the teaching workers, he logged over 21 minutes of ice time and registered two assists. The Oilers captain is now eyeing appearances in Wednesday’s recreation towards Seattle and Friday’s rematch with Vancouver. If McDavid fits up for all three, it’ll mark 5 of eight pre-season video games for him.
That looks as if rather a lot for any NHL famous person, particularly given the current accidents which were entrance and heart within the information throughout current preseason NHL video games. McDavid isn’t nervous about it.
“I simply wished to get into somewhat little bit of rhythm,” McDavid defined after Monday’s recreation. “It’s robust to get in a rhythm whenever you play one, sit out every week, and play one other.”
The Oilers Perceive McDavid’s Motivation and It’s Why He’s The Chief
Regardless of the chance of harm, new Oilers GM Stan Bowman mentioned he wasn’t shocked by McDavid’s request. “Generally with high gamers, they wish to get their recreation to the extent that they wish to be at,” Bowman mentioned. “If anybody will get damage, then it’s a nasty consequence. However in case you method issues with that mindset, then you definately’re at all times going to be simply ready ’til Sport 1 to play.”
Veteran ahead Corey Perry recommended that McDavid’s management will trickle right down to the remainder of the group. “All people is aware of he’s not the loudest man within the room. However these little issues, they assist,” Perry mentioned. “That’s why he’s our chief.”
McDavid needs to get off to a greater begin this season than final and he needs his Oilers to return out of the gate higher than final season’s 2-9-1 document.
Subsequent: Senators Lose Stars: Stützle, Tkachuk Depart Sport With Accidents
