Connor McDavid Destroys Oilers Prospect Camp

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On July 1st, the Edmonton Oilers began their annual summer prospect development camp. The first day was filled with medical testing and physicals, with no on-ice practices. On the 2nd there was a practice held, but it was closed to the public. From the 3rd-5th, practices were open to the public. On the 6th, the final day of camp, was a scrimmage at Rexall Place that drew over 10,000 fans.

The obvious draw to the camp for Oilers fans was Connor McDavid, who had just signed his entry-level contract that bound him to the Oilers for the next three years. To say McDavid didn’t disappoint would be an understatement.

Dominating in Drills

On the first day of practice, this GIF came out of McDavid doing some balance and agility drills with quick foot movement and lateral movement. The first few times I watched it, I was convinced that it was sped up.

https://twitter.com/HockeyWebCast/status/616708500345913345

Notice the player in dark behind McDavid who is struggling for air, while McDavid is flying around the ice.

Next came McDavid’s victimization of defenseman Ethan Bear, the Oilers’ 5th round pick in June’s draft. Before the draft, International Scouting Services had the following to say about Bear’s skating: “above average skater with good lateral movement and agility”.

Here’s McDavid dancing around John McCarron (#44) and the aforementioned Bear (#74) on Monday:

https://twitter.com/HockeyWebCast/status/617828662033969152

He proceeded to torch him again on Tuesday:

The Five Goal Scrimmage

Okay, he looks great in practice. But can he do it in a game in a crowded space with all the defenders trying to stop him? Psssh. How dare you doubt him.

In the Billy Moores Cup on Wednesday, McDavid ripped off five goals, a few of the highlight-reel variety. Here they are, presented without comment:

https://youtu.be/qs332rv1e_E

I can see Peter Chiarelli grinning from Philadelphia.