With the hilarity of the last few days in Oil country (last 12/13 years really) and all the areas the Oilers basically suck at as an organization, one thing that has crossed my mind is with their lack of success in developing players. This may be one area that is being exposed in a big way.
McDavid is the most can't-miss prospect of the last 10 years. One could debate that, but this guy is as much of a sure thing as it gets for kids coming out of junior. I don't watch many Oiler games and maybe some of you guys could speak on this. How much has he evolved as a player overall in the NHL? His offence is an area of strength, obviously. However, what about the rest of his game? Face-offs, defensive play, difficulty to play against, the proverbial 200 ft player.
I live on the east coast and Sydney Crosby (McDavid's constant comparable it seems) seems to work on his game constantly and relentlessly. Face-offs a problem? Get to work. One-timers not up to snuff? Get to work. Crosby is no doubt a better player than when he came into the league. Has the Oilers and/or their culture provided much in the way of development for their vaunted number one center? Or is this more or less the same player that came into the league?
I may be off on this line of thinking, but in my limited viewings, it's almost like the Oil signed him to the big contract, he is making more than anyone else in the league, he should go out there and carry the team to victory. When that doesn't happen, the Oil brain trust has hit a wall and don't know what to do next.
You need support? What do you mean? You're the "best player" in the world. Support is for lesser players. We have goodish players, right? Go out there and win.
E=NG
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