Toronto radio personality Sid Seixeiro took aim at the Edmonton hockey market after Connor McDavid suggested that highly touted prospect Gavin McKenna would have his “hands full” playing for the Maple Leafs.
McDavid recently spoke for the first time about McKenna since the 18-year-old was drafted first overall by the Maple Leafs in this year’s NHL Draft. The Oilers captain cautioned the young star about the unique challenge of playing in one of the league’s most demanding markets.
“He’ll have his hands full in Toronto, but he seems like he’s prepared for it,” McDavid said.
The outspoken host pushed back hard during a recent segment of The Sid Seixeiro Show:
“I am the last guy on earth who wants to rip on a player the calibre of Connor McDavid, but Connor McDavid doesn’t have a clue what it’s like playing hockey in the city of Toronto at that level,” Seixeiro said.
He continued:
“In Edmonton, the intensity from the media and the fans is always very consistent — a six to a seven, all the time. Toronto, and we’ve seen this over the last 10 years, last year aside. When things are going okay, the market generally leaves you alone. When things go bad here, though, it goes from a four to an 11.”
Sid added:
“Edmonton is not about that life. But when things go bad, look out, and it’s a level of criticism Edmonton has no clue about, none. So with respect, I don’t think Connor McDavid knows what the phrase ‘he has his hands full’ in Toronto really means.”
Connor McDavid shares his thoughts on Darnell Nurse trade to San Jose
Darnell Nurse’s era in Edmonton officially came to an end after he was traded to the San Jose Sharks on July 1. As part of the deal, the Oilers received defensive prospect Shakir Mukhamadullin and the rights to Zachary Sharp.
The move also cleared the entire $9.25 million AAV from Edmonton’s books, giving the club significant cap flexibility moving forward. However, Connor McDavid appeared to be “extremely disappointed” with the decision to part ways with the longtime defenseman.
“It’s obviously disappointing to lose someone like Darnell and the rest of the guys… But it’s part of the business, unfortunately. It’s been hard to really put into words what Nurse has been to not only me, but the whole group and everybody in Edmonton. So extremely disappointed to see that happen.”
Nurse played for 12 seasons with the Oilers after being selected seventh overall in the 2013 NHL draft.
Also Read: Fans react as Oilers superstar warns Gavin McKenna about playing for Maple Leafs
Edited by Abhishek Dilta