After a disappointing exit in Round 1 of the playoffs last season, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers will be keen to avenge themselves. While McDavid and the Oilers will play under the new leadership of head coach Mike Babcock, the team is also left without a stalwart.
For those unaware, the Oilers traded veteran defenseman Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Shakir Mukhamadullin and Zack Sharp. Recently, during a media exchange at the Zach Hayman Golf Classic, McDavid admitted being “extremely disappointed” to see Nurse leave.
“It’s obviously disappointing to lose someone like Darnell and the rest of the guys… But it’s part of the business, unfortunately. It’s been hard to really put into words what Nurse has been to not only me, but the whole group and everybody in Edmonton. So extremely disappointed to see that happen.”
You can check what Connor McDavid said below:
Darnell Nurse’s trade came to fruition after he submitted a trade request to the Edmonton Oilers in June. According to a report at the time, Nurse also submitted a list of 3 to 5 teams he was willing to be traded to. While the Boston Bruins were close to acquiring Nurse at one point, a big Bruins star vetoed the deal.
Connor McDavid sent Gavin McKenna a warning
Apart from expressing his displeasure over Darnell Nurse being traded away from the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid also spoke about Gavin McKenna. In the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, McKenna was drafted first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In an interaction with TSN, McDavid opened up about McKenna. While McDavid admitted he didn’t know much about the youngster, he also revealed what he thinks of him. McDavid said:
“I don’t know much about him. I haven’t paid attention all that much, to be honest. Seems like he’s a good kid.”
Furthermore, Connor McDavid also sent a warning to Gavin McKenna. He added:
“He’ll have his hands full in Toronto, but he seems like he’s prepared for it.”
Toronto drafted McKenna after an amazing display of hockey as a member of the Penn State Nittany Lions men’s ice hockey team. It will be interesting to see if McKenna can replicate the success he achieved at Penn State in Toronto.
Edited by Varun Anand Bhat