We’re inching toward Oilers training camp, the anticipation is growing, and I’ve got a few random thoughts rolling around in my head that I could use your help figuring out. This week, I’m talking about training camp excitement, Connor McDavid’s off-season training, jersey ads, and a whole lot more.
A WEEK AWAY FROM CAMP KICKING OFF
Oilers training camp is just over a week away, and that means a bunch of the boys are back in town and hitting the ice, making the start of the 2024-25 NHL season feel all the more real. Even though nothing is happening yet, just having Gregor down at the rink posting pictures from the community rink was enough to get me excited. Of course, I know my tune will change by the time we get to the 6th meaningless pre-season game, but for right now, in this moment, I’m pumped to see the boys taking twirls in those practice unis.
CONNOR McDAVID’S OFF-SEASON ADJUSTMENTS
Isn’t it funny how a year can change things? Last summer, we heard the boys talk about how important it was for them to get into Edmonton early to get the captain’s skates going, ensuring that the team would be ready to go once the puck dropped in October. What ended up happening, however, was that the Oilers got off to one of their worst starts in years, basically triggering panic in the fanbase through and forcing the team to fire Jay Woodcroft.
This summer, Connor McDavid took a different approach to his off-season training, and I thought the insights he gave to Mark Spector over at Sportsnet was fascinating:
“I went with a little bit of a different strategy this summer,” he said. “In years past, it’s just been very volume heavy, Very go, go, go. Throw everything at the wall and hope something sticks. That strategy, as well as it’s worked for me, I think about the beginning of last year. I was just very tired and fatigued from a long summer of training, and was not feeling very good on the ice. And it translated. Last year taught us that you can’t win the Cup in September and October. But you can certainly put yourself in a tough spot.”
It goes without saying that we’re not exactly talking about NBA-style load management here, but I still find it interesting to see that Connor McDavid adjusts his training routine almost in real time. Instead of doubling down on last year’s methods to see if that slow start was a one-off, the guy basically reprioritized his entire summer to make sure it worked with how his body is feeling. That, my friends, is a guy who is in tune with the engine that drives him, ya know?
THE RHD SITUATION
I know we’ve probably talked about this way too much at this point, but I can’t help but feel nervous about what the Oilers have on the right side of their defensive pairings. That’s not to say I dislike Troy Stecher and Ty Emberson — I’m actually excited to see what both of them can do with the increased opportunity — but rather that neither of those guys (or Josh Brown) is a bonafide top-four d-man even though we’ll need them to be one. Right now, the vibe is that we basically need one of those two to fight above their weight class, and while I’m not at all suggesting neither can do it, expecting that to happen is a risky bet by the organization.
JERSEY ADS ARE HERE
Even though it’s not at all surprising that the Oilers would put a sponsor logo on their jerseys, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t bummed out about it finally happening. Over the last couple of years, the Oilers resisted the urge to add a sponsored logo to their uniforms, but that’s changing this season with Play Alberta getting a spot on the front of their sweater. It’s nothing against Play Alberta or anyone who lands a spot on the front of an NHL jersey, but rather that it’s the end of an era and I’m never good with change. Part of me was hoping that the Oilers would buck the trend of having ads on their storied jerseys, but I guess it’s too hard to give up those sweet, sweet ad dollars when they fall in your lap. Business. I get it.
GOODBYE TO THE GAUDREAU BROTHERS
I can’t even begin to summon the words to accurately describe how awful it’s been to see stories come out about the Gaudreau brothers after their shocking passing last week. On Monday, Sportsnet had a live stream of the funeral up on their site, and I legitimately couldn’t believe what I was watching even though we all know what happened. It’s like my brain and eyes weren’t connecting what was happening because it still doesn’t feel real that this tragedy happened.
I keep expecting to wake up and see Johnny Gaudreau showing up to the arena in Columbus for training camp, but that obviously won’t be happening anymore. Instead, what we saw Monday was a heartbreaking scene filled with family, friends, and teammates mourning the loss of two brothers, and I could not be more heartbroken for all of them. Watching clips from the service was a harsh reminder of how fragile life can be, and even though the Gaudreau brothers don’t have anything to do with the Oilers, I wanted to take a minute to say goodbye to both and to hope the family can find some peace despite being dealt this horrible situation.
