McDavid Sobs in Emotional Locker Room Video After Stanley Cup Final Game 7

After losing Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers were absolutely devastated. Connor McDavid was pulled aside by an NHL executive in the tunnel on his way to the locker room to accept the Conn Smythe Trophy and he declined. As the team leader, McDavid needed to be in the room with his teammates at the time.

And it was an incredibly emotional scene. Zach Hyman delivered a passionate speech about being back there next year, but for the most part the room was silent. Connor McDavid visibly sobbed and was comforted by Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Near the end of the clip, an unknown player tells the camera crew to get out of the locker room immediately.

As fans, it's absolutely incredible to get this unfiltered look into the locker room of the Oilers, and at hockey's greatest player in Connor McDavid. The Oilers captain brought everything he possibly could in the playoffs - beating Wayne Gretzky's assist record was unthinkable before he did it. Despite McDavid's best efforts and the Oilers best roster in his career, they still came short. In the moment, it is a crushing and helpless feeling for the players, and McDavid didn't hold it back.

Heading into a new season though, the Oilers should have a totally renewed confidence that they can win it all. The bitter experience of losing will only teach them lessons for next time and motivate them to get back on the Final. Not only will the returning players be better with that experience, but the Oilers made some impressive additions to their forward group too. More trades will be coming in-season as well.

The Oilers lace up for their final preseason game tonight before another long regular season campaign begins. On October 9th the Oilers will host the Winnipeg Jets in their home opener, the first of many steps in returning to the Stanley Cup Final.