It was a no-brainer. But for an organization that doesn't seem to get much of anything right, even the most obvious decision makes Edmonton supporters hold their breath.
Exhale. Connor McDavid is captain of the Oilers. And brighter days are ahead - without a doubt.
While the 19-year-old becomes the youngest captain in NHL history, we’ll take it a step further: He’s the youngest oldest captain the league’s known. He may be a teenager, but there’s very little young, it seems, about McDavid, on the ice and off. He’s ready. He’s always been ready.
A banner offseason
The shock of the Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson trade has worn off. It's actually beginning to make sense. Since the deal, the club drafted another offensive wizard in Jesse Puljujarvi, Milan Lucic signed a mammoth contract in free agency, and McDavid shined at the World Cup of Hockey.
McDavid’s the superstar teams dream about and he’s surrounded by speed, skill, and toughness. Leon Draisaitl, Jordan Eberle, Puljujarvi, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Lucic, Benoit Pouliot, Patrick Maroon - the Oilers are deep up front. And in Larsson, Edmonton has the right-handed defenseman it has long coveted.
More importantly, though, is the Oilers have their man in goal. Cam Talbot struggled in the first half last season, but established himself as a true No. 1 in the second half. He’s legit.
Ask yourself: What are the Oilers missing?
Dream big
It’s time. Yes, the “P” word. Playoffs.
Admit it, you’re thinking about it. You’ve been thinking about it all summer. And why not? Sure, the back end is thin - one injury away from disaster - but this is undoubtedly McDavid’s team now, as the Oilers move into Rogers Place, their new arena.
New captain. New barn. New beginning.
The sky’s the limit for McDavid, which means the sky’s the limit for the Oilers.
