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Connor McDavid Gives Oilers’ Fans Unrealistic Expectations

By Diana Driscoll |

The hype surrounding Connor McDavid has not died down (especially in Edmonton) and fans of the Oilers and hockey alike are counting down the days until they see him debut in his first NHL game.

McDavid has been called a generational talent and has been compared to Sidney Crosby, who we all know changed the game of hockey in a good way. So with all this praise, Oilers fans are becoming optimistic. And while McDavid will make his presence known immediately (at least I think so), CBS Sports believes that his impact will not result in a postseason spot.

Sometimes, though, we can put too much on young players and expect them to be a quick cure-all for a struggling franchise. With three No. 1 overall picks since 2010, the Edmonton Oilers are a great example that simply getting a top pick doesn’t always guarantee future success.It can, however, be a pretty big piece in the puzzle. It just can’t be the only piece.— Adam Gretz, CBS Sports

While Oilers fans are hoping McDavid will be their savior, I have to agree with Gretz. The Oilers may not make the postseason this upcoming season. But I have to assume, with the addition of McDavid their chances are much improved.

There is no denying his talent. He got a taste of playing with older, bigger players during the IIHF World Juniors Championship where he took home gold, but the NHL is a completely new landscape for the rookie. Even with all his talent, you have to expect that he will have to get used to the flow of the game, as well as get used to the fact that he is no longer a big fish in a small pond—talent will surround him.

People don’t realize that it is a huge jump, going from the CHL or NCAA to the NHL. You’re playing guys who are faster, bigger, stronger and more adept to the level of competition.

Of the 219 players that have appeared in the NHL at the age of 18, only 18 of them recorded at least 50 points during that season. And out of that group, 13 of them took place during the high-flying 1980s and early 1990s when the average NHL game had eight or nine goals in it. It was a different era for offense then and it’s difficult to compare production across the eras without proper context. — Adam Gretz, CBS Sports

Yeah, so making it big when you’re young is hard. It may be even harder for McDavid because scoring in general has become more difficult.

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I am, in no way, doubting McDavid’s talents. He will become one of those players we talk about for many years after he retires. I am almost certain his name will be synonymous with the likes of Crosby, Wayne Gretzky, and Mario Lemieux. It may just take him awhile to realize his potential at the NHL level.

And here is another thing. Aaside from acquiring McDavid, the Oilers have only added goaltender Cam Talbot and defenseman Andrej Sekera to the mix. Both, like McDavid, are important to the Oilers’ future, but they may not be enough to take this year’s 28th place team and make them one of the top eight in the Western Conference (we all know how competitive the Western Conference is).

Who knows, the Oilers can defy all odds and exceed everyone’s expectations and make it into the postseason next year. With a guy like McDavid on your roster and a couple of other former first overall picks, you have to imagine that anything is possible.

Next: Oilers Defense: Who Starts?

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