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McDavid, Hyman praise Oilers management’s offseason moves

McDavid, Hyman praise Oilers management’s offseason moves

Hyman said the off-ice events of the past three weeks have shown that the Oilers are a team that has become an attractive place for players to both join and stay.

“Kenny did a great job throughout the year and when Kenny left, (Jeff) stepped up and did a great job of bringing in new guys to make the team better, and also bringing guys back,” he said. “I think it’s a testament to the team as well, that guys are willing to come back on team-friendly deals and take discounts to try to win. I think they see how special it is to play in Edmonton.

“It’s become more of a destination to play now, which is really great to see.”

Hyman said he got to know Arvidsson better by playing against the Kings in the Stanley Cup playoffs three years in a row. He said he’s a tough opponent, scores great goals and is a valuable addition to the Oilers’ game both offensively and defensively.

As for Skinner, Hyman said the two played minor hockey together in the Toronto area when they were both about 8 years old. He quickly added that he didn’t have to recruit Skinner; the former Sabres forward decided to come to Edmonton without any provocation from Hyman.

“We’ve played together for a long time,” Hyman said. “It’s been a long, long, long time since we’ve played together, but when you watch him from a distance and play against him, he’s a very talented guy and a goal scorer.

“I am very curious to see how the two will fit into our group.”

One that will welcome the third line of Connor Brown-Henrique-Janmark back into the mix after all three signed extensions.

On October 22, 2022, Brown, then of the Washington Capitals, tore his anterior cruciate ligament and missed the remainder of the season. He signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Oilers the previous season and spent much of the season getting back into top form, which he began to show against the Panthers in the Finals, when he had one goal and one assist and averaged 13:14 of ice time per game, the seventh-most among Oilers forwards.

“I think my role in the final started to expand and there’s a lot of momentum for me to build on that,” he said. “I’m just enjoying it again and, to go back to your point, I think I’m just a lot more excited to get back to work.”

That also goes for McDavid and Hyman, who have already begun their offseason training.

“(Zach) and I are already back getting the bodies moving and getting ready for another year,” McDavid said, adding with a laugh that “he got there first.

“There’s not much else to do. It’s just nice to get into a routine.”

Proceeds from the event, which has raised more than $2 million since 2018, will go to Stollery Children’s Hospital, UJA Federations of Toronto and Alberta, SickKids Hospital and Colby’s Kidz.