Pre-Scout: Connor McDavid and Bobby McMann the focus in Oilers-Leafs McMatchup |
This Connor McDavid vs. Auston Matthews matchup tonight doesn’t feel like others. It’s been usurped by trade speculation surrounding Bobby McMann.
It also won’t hit the same because it’s been a season from hell for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they come to town to face the Edmonton Oilers.
That franchise is at a crossroads, likely to miss the playoffs for the first time in a decade, and questions loom about how general manager Brad Treliving will approach the Trade Deadline.
From Mitch Marner’s departure in the summer, to the variety of defensive and goaltending injuries they’ve suffered, to the inconsistent play of Matthews and Nylander, questions abound about the team’s future.
Will Treliving blow it up? Sell a couple of pieces while keeping the core intact? Is this a first-hand look at Bobby McMann, Nicolas Roy, or Scott Laughton for Edmonton?
That all will be debated in Toronto sports media, and therefore, Canadian sports media as a whole.
But for tonight’s game, the Oilers need to buckle in. They can’t be distracted by the wicked gash on Craig Berube’s head.
Just 120 minutes of work remain before everyone except Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Josh Samanski gets a three-week tropical holiday.
With that said, the gulf between the Oilers and Leafs isn’t that big. The Oilers are only five points better, but a 2-6-2 stretch for Toronto to end January put this team’s focus on next year.........