Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid aiming to play at training camp
After suffering an injury during the last game of the season, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid expects to be on the ice during training camp.
The Edmonton Oilers got a bit of a scare on the last day of the season. Not only were they out of the postseason for the 12th time in their last 13 seasons, but team captain Connor McDavid also suffered what appeared to be a nasty knee injury.
Luckily, the Oilers won’t be missing their captain for an extended period of time, as McDavid didn’t need surgery to fix his PCL injury. Instead, he’s been rehabbing and resting this summer, hoping to get ready for training camp in September.
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During a recent interview with Sportsnet 590, McDavid discussed his injury and said his goal is to be ready for training camp. He didn’t guarantee he’d be on the ice, but when he says he’s going to do something, he tends to do it.
McDavid also spoke in the interview about Andrew Luck’s retirement. He had some interesting stuff to say as someone who has had to recover from some significant injuries. McDavid admitted it’s hard to watch games when he’s out because he wants to be on the ice with his teammates.
The Oilers will look a bit different when training camp begins. After Ken Hitchock decided not to return as a coach, Edmonton hired former Arizona Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett to take over behind the bench.
Also, Keith Gretzky’s interim general manager role no longer exists. They found a full-time replacement for Peter Chiarelli in Ken Holland. The Oilers are hoping those changes will help change whatever’s been affecting the team for over a decade.
On the ice, McDavid will have a familiar face in Alex Chiasson, who Edmonton re-signed after a solid campaign in 2018-19.
Also, the Oilers traded Milan Lucic for James Neal, who McDavid seems excited to be playing with. Neal has trained with the Oilers captain before, so they know each other. The two were rivals before the trade, as one played for the Flames and the other played for the Oilers. But now Neal and McDavid are teammates.
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The Oilers need their captain to be on top of his game. McDavid has set a high standard for himself, winning numerous awards early in his career. He’s arguably the best player in the NHL and helped Leon Draisaitl have his first season with at least 50 goals.