In what could only be described as a strategic shift, Connor McDavid took a unique approach to his off-season training this year, all in the hopes of leading his Edmonton Oilers to championship glory.
Following a heartbreaking loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final, McDavid knew that he needed to make some adjustments to his routine in order to give his team a better chance at success next season.
Known for his relentless work ethic and punishing workouts, the Oilers’ captain decided to dial things back a bit this summer, focusing on being in peak condition come puck drop in October.
Speaking at the NHL/NHLPA player media tour in Las Vegas, McDavid explained, “It was solely just going off of the start of last year. I was as skinny as I’d ever been, I was worrying about all these different numbers in the gym and it didn’t translate to the ice — it didn’t translate at all.”
The 27-year-old superstar revealed that he didn’t feel quite right at the start of last season and ended up getting injured early on. Determined not to repeat the same mistakes, McDavid prioritized rest and recovery this off-season.
“My approach this year is to make sure I’m rested, first and foremost,” McDavid stressed. “Rest was an important issue and making sure that my body is moving well. Compared to last year at this time, I feel a lot better. That’s all I was looking for.”
Despite his altered training regimen, McDavid still managed to put up a staggering 132 points in the regular season and added another 42 in the playoffs. His exceptional performance earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the post-season, making him just the second player in NHL history on a Cup-losing team to receive the honor.
While his summer was filled with notable events, including his wedding to Lauren Kyle, McDavid remained focused on his goals and didn’t have as much time to dwell on the past as other players.
As the new season approaches, McDavid’s approach to training and preparation may prove to be the key to unlocking further success for the Edmonton Oilers. With his eyes set on redemption, the superstar captain is ready to lead his team to victory in the upcoming season.
