Edmonton Oilers: Loosen Leash on Connor McDavid

The Edmonton Oilers have gotten the gift of Connor McDavid, one of the NHL’s top prospects and a supposed second coming for the team. However, the Oilers, as well as many fans, have been involved in McDavid’s whereabouts and activity, such as who he is living with, how he is practicing and how often he is participating in the rookie tournament. While it was smart to scratch him from the rookie tournament after he received a huge hit from Vancouver Canucks winger Jake Virtanen, he should not be babied, and the team needs to unleash him and let him grow and develop on his own.

MORE FROM OIL ON WHYTE- MOVING ON FROM ROOKIE CAMP TO MAIN CAMP

Yes, I understand fully that McDavid is a big name. He is very vital to this Edmonton team, and he is steaming the path for a new generation of hockey, not just for the Oilers, but also for the entire league. However, at 18 years old, it somewhat concerns me, as well as others, that the team is scratching him (even though these games don’t matter) to avoid him getting injured. This team should be excited for McDavid, a classy, responsible player who can handle himself, and they should be trying to introduce him to NHL hockey, not shielding him from it.

More from Editorials

McDavid’s going to be playing in the NHL soon. He is going to be facing much bigger guys than he did at rookie camp, especially bigger guys than Virtanen, who are trying to bring him down and to play aggressive. With the team pulling McDavid, players know that his weakness is his physical toughness. Therefore, they will start trying to play rough with McDavid to avoid him scoring or getting the upper hand. If the whole league already knows about his being scratched to avoid injuries and big hits before the season even start, what will this lead to when McDavid plays games?

Part of the transition to the National Hockey League is learning to play in a fast, growing environment of bigger players and veterans. If McDavid couldn’t even fully experience rookie camp, let alone whether or not he will play many preseason games, how is he going to learn to take hard hits and learn how the pace is set? The answer is simple: he will not learn if he is not even allowed to play. It will make for a harder transition, and it will be all brand new to him when he faces big hits.

In addition, McDavid is an adult. He knows his limits and seems to be a well-raised, clean-cut player and young man. He knows exactly what he is doing, what his limits are and how to reach his goals and expectations. The fans, as well as the team, must loosen the leash. He can room with whoever he wants, and he has to start learning how to take hits and how to transition to an NHL environment.

Sure, there was a precaution for him getting injured, therefore, it would be idiotic to play him in games that do not matter. However, the fans need to realize that he will eventually face hard hits, and that this team and organization cannot treat him like someone who cannot make his own decisions.

McDavid also has a protection detail from the entire team. Darnell Nurse stood up for him at camp and will hopefully stand up for him as he enters the league. He will be playing with other players who will protect him and show him how to play the game. However, the team must give him the opportunity to interact with other players, and fans should have no problem with who he is living with or what he is doing off the ice. He is a smart, mature individual who can look out for himself.

So I am calling on the Oilers organization, as well as the fans, to loosen the leash on McDavid and realize that he is a mature, responsible individual who is ready for tough NHL action. We should be excited for McDavid to hit the ice and make a difference, instead of being worried and hesitant about if he will make it through all 60 minutes. He’s ready, and you must be ready as well.

Next: After Loss to Jets, Many Rookies Still Not NHL Ready

More from Oil On Whyte

Home / Editorials