Connor McDavid speaks on Oilers' snubbed from Team Canada roster
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
Team Canada officially unveiled their full Olympic roster today, and Connor McDavid will be the only Oiler representing the country at the Olympics.
Evan Bouchard, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins were all under consideration for Canada, but the team elected to not select any of them. Bouchard is the biggest snub of the group, and clearly, McDavid feels the same way.
Connor McDavid says Oilers teammates should have made Team Canada
Speaking to the media before tonight's game against the Bruins, McDavid openly said that he wished some more Oilers were on the team - and he thinks they should have been picked. He even suggested their slow start as a team may be the reason for the roster choices.
Obviously disappointed for the Oiler guys, first and foremost. Great players here, that in a different year, different situation, could easily be on the team.
That being said, I'm excited. It's getting closer. With the roster announcement today, it becomes a lot more real.
You have to find a way to peak in February. It's kind of unique that way, last year was a new experience. You go from playing a regular season, middle of the season kind of sleepy game, to a couple days later you're in what feels like playoffs Game 7. Guys are ramping up their games. Personally, I feel like I'm trying to do that too.
- Connor McDavid
That being said, I'm excited. It's getting closer. With the roster announcement today, it becomes a lot more real.
You have to find a way to peak in February. It's kind of unique that way, last year was a new experience. You go from playing a regular season, middle of the season kind of sleepy game, to a couple days later you're in what feels like playoffs Game 7. Guys are ramping up their games. Personally, I feel like I'm trying to do that too.
- Connor McDavid
He's obviously biased, but there's a strong argument to be made that Bouchard could supplant several Canadian defenceman like Parayko, Sanheim, or Doughty. Hyman would've been just as strong of a 4th line option as any other player picked to the team.
McDavid also offered some insight on his personal process which has him on one of the hottest streaks of his career. He's trying to ramp up his game to playoff level to be fully ready for February - instead of playing through some sleepy regular season hockey.
The next month will be critical for McDavid to keep raising his level of play. It should be exciting for Oilers fans just to see that, let alone him trying to peak again with a Gold Medal on the line.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 31 | 560 ANSWERS Connor McDavid speaks on Oilers' snubbed from Team Canada roster Do you think Team Canada should have picked at least one more Oiler? | ||
| Yes | 429 | 76.6 % |
| No | 131 | 23.4 % |
| List of polls | ||