Connor McDavid confesses being “very tired and fatigued” before Oilers’ disastrous 2-9-1 start. (Image source: Imagn).

Connor McDavid has admitted that he was quite exhausted at the start of last season, which contributed to the Edmonton Oilers enduring one of their worst starts to a campaign.

The Oilers began with an underwhelming 2-9-1 record and languished at the bottom of the league, which led to the firing of head coach Jay Woodcroft. By November, the Oilers were 14 points behind the playoff spots in the Pacific Division.

During a phone interview with Sportsnet from a training camp in Vail, Colo., McDavid emphasized the importance of timing in preparation for the NHL. He pointed out that last year taught the team that while you can’t win the Cup in the early months of the season, you can certainly put yourself in a tough spot.

McDavid explained that in previous years, his training focused heavily on volume, which left him “very tired and fatigued” at the start of the season. That contributed to the team’s poor record, the firing of their coach, and a significant point deficit.

He said (via Sportsnet):

“I went with a little bit of a different strategy this summer,” he said. “In years past, it’s just been very volume heavy, Very go, go, go. Throw everything at the wall and hope something sticks. That strategy, as well as it’s worked for me, I think about the beginning of last year.

“I was just very tired and fatigued from a long summer of training and was not feeling very good on the ice. And it translated.”

Oilers captain Connor McDavid says he learned something from the 2023-24 season: “Last year taught us that you can't win the Cup in September and October. But you can certainly put yourself in a tough spot.”@sportsnetspec has the story. https://t.co/HdtS0ZGuIj

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 5, 2024

The Oilers, who had seemed like they would miss the playoffs due to their terrible start, turned things around. They went on a deep run but eventually lost the Stanley Cup to the Florida Panthers in Game 7.

Connor McDavid has adjusted his strategy this summer, opting for rest and recovery. He took some time off the ice and focused on working hard off the ice, not stepping onto the ice until August.

The Edmonton Oilers captain now feels refreshed and ready for the upcoming season, emphasizing the importance of peaking at the right time ahead of the first game on Oct. 9.

Connor McDavid addresses pending contract status

The Oilers made headlines after signing Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year, $112 million contract ($14 million AAV). The contract will commence at the start of the 2025-26 season, making him the highest earner in the league.

🔒 LEON'S LOCKED IN 🔒

The #Oilers have signed forward Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year contract extension beginning in 2025-26 with an average annual value of $14 million. pic.twitter.com/wERUyneHA7

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 3, 2024

Meanwhile, Connor McDavid, who has two years remaining on his $100 million deal, addressed questions about his pending status. He said that, at this time, there’s little to discuss regarding his contract, as the situation remains unchanged and no actions are necessary.

“Obviously, it’s your job to ask, and I understand,” he said when his pending contract status is broached. “There’s nothing really that needs to be talked about. There’s nothing to really be done at this point.”

Connor McDavid’s comments suggest that he prefers to focus on other aspects of his game rather than contract negotiations right now.