Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli confident team is heading in ‘right direction’
Connor McDavid was nine when the Edmonton Oilers last qualified for the playoffs.
Indeed, it’s been a long decade of futility in the Alberta capital. But as training camp opens this week, there are hopeful signs that the Oilers are finally on the verge of turning a corner. Beyond McDavid, the 19-year-old wunderkind, is a promising pool of young talent, an improved defence as well as stability in the crease, behind the bench and in the front office.
For years, the league wondered when the club would make a leap. This might be their year.
“I really feel like we’re going in the right direction,” Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli said in a recent interview. “We made some moves this summer that I think had some shock and awe, not intentionally, but it was part of what we’ve been trying to do. I’m anxious. I’m excited to get the season going.”