Oilers Hyman and McDavid Share Thoughts on Edmonton’s Offseason Moves…
A few weeks after Edmonton Oilers’ interim general manager Jeff Jackson made significant free agency moves, adding new talent while retaining key players from their near-championship roster, the team’s leading scorer and top point-producer shared their thoughts.
On July 15, Zach Hyman and Connor McDavid publicly discussed these moves for the first time since free agency began on July 1. The Oilers forwards were in Toronto for the fifth annual Zach Hyman Celebrity Classic at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club.
"Just important to be here & support his initiatives."
McDavid speaks from the Zach Hyman Celebrity Classic golf tournament in Toronto. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/XtIcLBUlYV
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 15, 2024
During the Canada Day weekend, the Oilers signed forwards Viktor Arvidsson (formerly of the Los Angeles Kings) and Jeff Skinner (formerly of the Buffalo Sabres), while re-signing third-line players Connor Brown, Adam Henrique, and Mattias Janmark. Additionally, they added defenseman Josh Brown (formerly of the Arizona Coyotes) and brought back veteran blueliner Troy Stetcher.
“I thought the whole management staff did a great job,” said McDavid, who led the NHL in points for both the 2023-24 regular season and the 2024 Playoffs. “They’ve had a great offseason so far. It’s been short and hurried, but they’ve accomplished great things in that time.”
Jackson Impresses in His First GM Role
What made Edmonton’s successful free agency even more impressive was that it was Jackson’s first day on the job as GM. Jackson, also the CEO of Hockey Operations, is serving as interim GM while searching for a permanent replacement for Ken Holland. Holland and the Oilers mutually agreed to part ways when his five-year contract expired on July 1.
Despite having no prior experience as an NHL GM, Jackson adeptly handled the chaos of free agency, all while dealing with Edmonton’s salary cap constraints.
“Keeping this many guys together is a good thing,” McDavid continued. “In the salary cap era, it’s tough to do that, and (Jackson’s) done a great job finding a way.”
Success Attracts Players to Edmonton
Jackson’s job was made easier by the Oilers’ recent success. The team’s incredible playoff run, where they reached the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 18 years and pushed the series to Game 7 against the Florida Panthers, showed free agents that Edmonton is a top destination for those seeking a championship.
"A couple weeks after you reflect on it & you gain a great appreciation for how special the whole run was."
Hyman catches up with the media from the course prior to hosting his fifth annual @ZachHymanGolf Celebrity Classic.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/ugjbPaZHvm
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 15, 2024
“With (Holland) leaving, (Jackson’s) had to take over and has done great, bringing in new guys, improving our team, and bringing back key players,” said Hyman, who was the Oilers’ top goal scorer in the 2023-24 season and playoffs. “It’s a testament to the team that players are willing to return on team-friendly deals to try and win.”
Hyman added, “It’s becoming more of a destination to play, and that’s awesome to see.”
Familiar Faces for Hyman
Hyman is well-acquainted with both of Edmonton’s major free-agent additions. He has faced Arvidsson in each of the last three postseasons and played minor hockey with Skinner in Toronto over 20 years ago.
“Arvidsson is tough to play against, goes to the net, and scores gritty goals,” Hyman said of the former L.A. winger, who has 179 NHL career regular season goals. “He’s scored 30 goals before, so he’ll be a great addition.”
Hyman also reminisced about playing with Skinner in their youth, noting his excitement to see how both newcomers will integrate into the team.
The Oilers are now just a couple of months away from the start of training camp, as they prepare for the 2024-25 NHL season.
