2023-08-24 15:57:25
Activities are not launched in the National Hockey League (NHL), which Connor McDavid already has his eyes on the top honors.
The goal has been on his mind since the elimination of his team at the expense of the Las Vegas Golden Knights last May. McDavid briefly returned to the look of this series in an interview with the Sportsnet network and he has a bitter taste in his mouth.
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“That feeling in the locker room following the loss (to Las Vegas) stayed with me for a long time. And that’s something we want to remember. When we’re back in that same situation, we need that sense of urgency to act.”
“You have to learn to lose and also to win. Now we’ve been through both scenarios and we have to build something out of that,” he added.
It must be said that following the Oilers lost in six games once morest the Golden Knights, the latter went all the way to win the Stanley Cup. The Oilers were just two wins away from stopping them.
“This year was different, since we had more conviction. We were neck and neck with Las Vegas, unlike our loss to the Avalanche in 2022, where they were the better team by far. Against Vegas, it was the details that made all the difference and that’s the most frustrating thing, knowing that we were so close.
After the loss, it was rumored in the media that the Oilers captain addressed his teammates in a lengthy speech. Asked regarding what had been said, true to form, McDavid remained discreet and did not want to reveal everything, mentioning that “these are strong emotional moments”.
One thing is certain: number 97 seems more motivated than ever as the new campaign approaches. The Oilers point guard has also called on all his teammates to meet on the ice on September 5. “A group decision”, according to the main interested party, to be sure that everyone starts the season on the right foot.
“We’ll see where we are at then”
In 2023, Connor McDavid begins the sixth year of his eight-year contract, signed in the summer of 2017. He might thus be available to the 32 teams in the summer of 2026.
Asked regarding the possibility of testing the free agent market in three years, McDavid was careful to mention that he believed in the group of players in place in Edmonton, while remaining realistic regarding the situation.
“I love playing in Edmonton and I really feel at home here. My fiancée loves the city as much as I do. That said, there are three years left on my contract. We’ll see where we are at then.”
“I’m not saying this to create panic, but it’s the reality. I love being a member of the Edmonton Oilers, I’m 100% dedicated to this team and we’re going to go all the way.”
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