Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid offered some candid thoughts on life in Edmonton, Alberta.
Speaking to reporters at the Downtown Community Arena after practice, McDavid acknowledged that the city doesn't exactly have the best reputation.
"It's not the beach and it's not beautiful weather all the time, but we're here to play hockey and we're here to be a part of something and I think guys want to do that," McDavid said.
While Edmonton lacks the warm climate and oceanside views of cities like Los Angeles or Miami, McDavid emphasized the underrated positives of living there.
"I think for people that haven't experienced Edmonton, it's really easy living. There's no hour's drive, there's no traffic – although the construction could be better (laughs) – but it's really convenient living. It's easy living; stress-free living. It checks a lot of boxes for a lot of guys," he explained.
The Oilers captain married his fiancee Lauren Kyle in Ontario on July. Now back in Edmonton as the team looks to build on last year's Stanley Cup Final run, McDavid seems content with the Alberta capital that he calls home for much of the year.
Connor McDavid on Leon Draisaitl's new contract
Connor McDavid was ecstatic on learning that his teammate and close friend Leon Draisaitl agreed an eight-year contract extension worrh $112 million with the Edmonton Oilers.
McDavid got a text message from Draisait before the official announcement.
"He just sent me a text and let me know ahead of time," McDavid said.
"Obviously it's great. I'm really happy for him and his family. Well-deserved. He deserves every penny, and I’m happy he’ll be here for really a long time."
The contract will kick in starting in 2025-26, the same year McDavid's current eight-year deal would expire.
"It's exciting for the organization, the fans and everybody," McDavid added.
McDavid added that it's one less thing for Draisaitl to worry about now. He won't have to deal with contract questions or negotiations hanging over his head anymore, which is good news.
With Draisaitl taken care of, the focus will now shift to Connor McDavid and his next big contract.