Power Play with CJ: Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson Trade
If there is a bright side to the Taylor Hall trade, Connor McDavid will focus on it a little later.
Right now hes coming to grips with having to say goodbye to his teammate, mentor and good friend.
Its definitely a shock, said the 19-year-old franchise player, who thought the Oilers were going to make a big move, but never dreamed it would involve Hall.
People were expecting something to happen, but you can never really plan for something like this until it happens. So everyone is in a little bit of shock.
Change is exciting, but at the same time its upsetting to see a teammate, a dear friend and my roommate go. Its a little bit of a different feeling right now.
McDavid, who lived in Halls house last season and lost both of his roommates in a span 36 hours when the Oilers failed to qualify Luke Gazdic on Monday, says the former first overall pick was a major influence in his rookie season. Not many people can understand what its like to be in McDavids situation rookie superstar/saviour in hockey crazy Edmonton but Hall was there to help him on and off the ice.
He was hoping he and Hall would be Oilers together for a long time, but Wednesdays news put a sudden stop to those dreams.
I want to express thanks for all that hes done for me because hes done so much. Ill never really know how I can repay him, or if Ill ever be able to, for what hes done for me this year.
Hes a guy who took me under his wing right away. Its hard to explain how much that means to me.
The Hall trade, for New Jersey Devils defenceman Adam Larsson, is just one of several major developments for the Oilers this summer. Jesse Puljujarvi fell into their lap in last weekends draft and it looks like theyll be adding Milan Lucic and possibly defenceman Jason Demers when free agency opens July 1.
Thats potentially four impact players added to the roster in a week.
For sure we will have a different dynamic, said McDavid. Whenever you trade away a key piece of your organization, somebody whos been there for a long time, it has to change everything.
Well definitely be a little bit different, but every thing is definitely pointed in the right direction. We added a defenceman, which we definitely needed and well see what happens in free agency.
Its exciting, but like I keep saying, its upsetting to see Taylor go.
Hall had a hole or two in his game (who doesnt?), but he played hard every night. Thats an element that didnt go unnoticed by McDavid.
He totally does (go full speed every game), said McDavid. Being around him for a year you definitely see that. You see how hard he works and how badly he wants to be the best. Its going to be a great opportunity for him in New Jersey.
As for next season with the Oilers, McDavid said there is a lot to look forward to. But right now its about saying goodbye to his buddy.
Im excited for next year, he said. Were adding a piece we definitely need it will help a great deal, but I dont want to forget that were all losing a good friend and a great teammate.
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Source: http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/connor-mcdavid-upset-to-see-hall-leave
