The wait to see what Connor McDavid can do in the NHL is nearing its close as he’s set to accomplish another first tonight.
McDavid will skate alongside Taylor Hall and Teddy Purcell in his preseason debut tonight in Edmonton against the rival Calgary Flames. Although he’s already appeared in two rookie games and two scrimmages with the Edmonton Oilers, this another step up for him and his best opportunity yet to get a sense for what it will be like to compete at the NHL level.
“I don’t know if nervous is the right way to say it, I think it’s more anxious and excited,” McDavid told NHL.com. “Those are the two words that come to mind, I’m just looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a challenge, that’s just how it is, it’s the next level. It’s going to take some getting used to, but I’m confident in my abilities and I believe in myself.”
The fact that he’s being paired up with Hall and Purcell is also noteworthy as that line is expected to stay intact throughout the preseason. With that in mind, it stands to reason that McDavid might be playing with those two when he’s projected to make his true NHL debut on Oct. 8.
Tonight’s contest will begin at 9:00 p.m. ET and its a split-squad game as Edmonton and Calgary will simultaneously battle in Calgary.