MCDAVID finally off the clock
SUNRISE, Fla. • The time between the NHL draft lottery and Friday’s draft added up to the longest 69 days of Connor McDavid’s life. Waiting the final few minutes felt like an eternity, too.
“They had to introduce everyone and all the teams and the roll call, it just felt like it was going by so slowly,” McDavid said. “All I wanted to do was just have that pick called.”
At 7:18 p.m. ET, Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli made the announcement that has was more than two months in the making.
“It’s an exciting time to be an Oiler and I know the fans are excited, and they should be,” McDavid said. “Now that it’s finally happened and I’m an Edmonton Oiler, I couldn’t be more proud.”
The Newmarket native called the experience of being selected better than he expected. Anxiety more than nerves marked the night.
During the day, McDavid was at ease with a nice breakfast with his parents and even some jet-skiing.
When it was finally his time to get up from his seat, the 18-year-old finally felt a sense of relief. Wearing a baby blue tie, the 18-year-old took off his suit jacket, strode onto the stage and first shook commissioner Gary Bettman’s hand as fans cheered.
Within seconds, McDavid put on the Oilers’ brand-new WHA-inspired orange jersey with his trademark No. 97 on the back and shoulders.
After an incredible junior career that included 285 points in 166 games, McDavid can now shift his focus to professional hockey.
While acknowledging that it’s a big jump from the Ontario Hockey League to playing against men, the humble superstar added the caveat that he has to work to make the team. That won’t be an issue, as McDavid joins the core of Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
The Oilers haven’t made the playoffs since 2006. Chiarelli said Friday morning he has reminded himself continually since April that he needed to temper expectations for the phenom.
“He’s such a good player, so you’re going to hear me temper expectations for a long time,” Chiarelli said. “He’s going to have his ups and downs. He’s a terrific player, he’s going to really help our franchise when he gets up and running.”
McDavid knows the pressure and what to expect. But rather than temper expectations, he wants to raise them.
“I think my expectations of myself exceed any of those that are put on me,” he said. “if I’m meeting my expectations, chances are I’ ll meet your guys.’ ”