Connor McDavid says training issue prevented him from success last year

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Liam McCormick
September 5, 2024 (4:45 PM)

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Connor McDavid recently revealed that overtraining last offseason hindered his performance early in the year.

In a new interview with Mark Spector, McDavid explained the changes he's making to his offseason training regime after it failed him last season. Last summer, McDavid said he pushed himself too hard and it led to him being sluggish early on. It looked like it on the ice too, as the Oilers cratered to begin last season with a 2-9-1 record, and McDavid struggled.

«I went with a little bit of a different strategy this summer. 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»
- Connor McDavid

After a much shorter offseason this year, it may be a smart move for McDavid to take it easier with his offseason training. As long as he's listening to his body and feels prepared enough for the season, he'll likely be dominating anyway. He doesn't need to train extensively during the summer to peak in October - he wants his game in a prime position for May and June.

McDavid has always been elite at responding to adversity and challenges throughout his career, and always comes back wanting more when the Oilers stumble. After getting so close to the Stanley Cup last season, it will be truly exciting to see how McDavid responds and approaches this season. There's no doubt that McDavid and the entire Oilers roster are expecting to win it all this year.

Source: Sportsnet - Oilers' McDavid opting for 'different' off-season strategy in latest Cup pursuit