The Edmonton Oilers are gearing up for training camp in the coming weeks, and many of the players are already making their way back to the city.
Though camp doesn’t start until Sept. 14, many players – from up-and-coming prospects to star players to newly signed free agents, have come back to Edmonton to skate and prepare for camp.
Draisaitl Returns
By far, the biggest name to return to Rogers Place so far was Leon Draisaitl. The German forward recently signed an eight-year extension with Edmonton and will start making $8 million per season starting this year. He finished eighth in league scoring with 29 goals and 77 points last season and was also a huge part of Connor McDavid’s 100-point campaign.
The 21-year-old returned Tuesday and practiced for a while, and even led his teammates in an informal skate.
Early start for #Oilers. @drat_29 leading group during informal skate. #yeg @ctvedmonton pic.twitter.com/a0Bn04mjTs
— Adam Cook (@adamcook101) September 5, 2017
He also took the time to speak to the media and discuss the team’s collective and individual goals for the upcoming 2017-18 campaign.
"We all know where we're at. It's a new chance for everyone to show what they can do." @Drat_29 as #Oilers embark on new goals pic.twitter.com/lXOpHOICY7
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 5, 2017
Other Oilers in attendance included Darnell Nurse, Drake Caggiula, Cam Talbot and others.
Edmonton Oilers
New Jersey Numbers
With the return of several faces, many players have decided to switch jersey numbers this season, according to the Oilers official website.
Instead of the number 36, which will now go to veteran Jussi Jokinen, Caggiula will wear 91 this season. Jujhar Khaira, one of the Oilers top gritty prospects and a fourth-line candidate this season, is switching his number 54 to 16 this year. Anton Slepyshev will don 58, and Yohann Auvitu, when playing in Edmonton, will wear 81.
Other Updates
While also skating Tuesday, Talbot partnered up with Make-a-Wish Northern Alberta to grant the wish of Gage Foster. The young fan got to meet Talbot and skate with the 29-year-old netminder.
Today I had the honour of meeting Gage. And truth be told I think he had a bigger impact on me than I ever could on him. Keep fighting buddy pic.twitter.com/54JGDs5w7z
— Cam Talbot (@ctalbot33) September 6, 2017
In other recent news Talbot’s wife, Kelly, has been working to raise money and awareness for the Hurricane Harvey victims in Texas.
Connor McDavid has been in New York City as part of the NHL and NHLPA’s Player Media Tour. He appeared on the set of the Today Show Wednesday, alongside Ryan McDonagh, Marc-Andre Fleury and Seth Jones.
Connor on the set of the @TODAYshow with Ryan, Seth & Marc-André as part of the @NHL/@NHLPA Player Media Tour in New York City. pic.twitter.com/l44iw6XZii
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 6, 2017
Next: Edmonton Oilers Announce Rookie Camp Roster, Schedule
Lastly, single-game tickets for all Oilers game are also on sale. More inventory will be added Thursday, according to the Oilers official Twitter.