McDavid's leadership continues to rise after elimination speech

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Ryan Hall
June 19, 2023 (10:13 PM)

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When the Oilers had their eyes on superstar Connor McDavid, they envisioned a natural leader who helped level up the Oilers in their play, their stature within the league and his overall leadership that resonated through the dressing room.

Since being drafted in 2015, the Oilers have made the playoffs five out of the last seven seasons. They have made the conference final once.

Those playoff losses and disappointments, I feel this would eat at you a little at a time and continue to test your resolve as your career improves.

We all watched the evolution of McDavid and the player he has become, it doesn't surprise me that he had a powerful and inspiring speech after being eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round this year.

Connor McDavid outside the dressing room Connor McDavid inside the dressing room | Credit to Mike Zeisberger on NHL.com

But with the off-season beginning and the summer months here, the Oilers will be looking to retool some of their rosters to knock on the door again of the Stanley Cup playoffs. McDavid will continue to be a lure for other players to look at Edmonton as a possible destination.

With the buyout season in full progress, the next important date is June 28th and 29th. The NHL Entry Draft will begin and I expect many trades and movement from the Oilers as they posture themselves for next season.