It’s an epidemic that has been sweeping the capital region since April 18, when it was announced the Oilers would take the number one pick in the NHL draft for the fourth time in six seasons. This time however, the draft would be a little more special than the last few, with generational talent Connor McDavid ripe for the picking. With such a great prospect arriving in Edmonton, fans can’t help but get excited.
“The first day when they did the draft there were about 30 people or so just coming in for the jerseys,” Tanya Sleen of Jersey City said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t receive our stock until a week later but once we did we have been selling out of T-shirts and our infant stuff is almost gone.”
And customers don’t just want any jersey. Fans seem to have their eyes on the orange jersey he was drafted in. The Oilers unveiled a new orange sweater at the event and the fans went crazy for it.
“We had all the orange ones selling out,” Sleen said. “Orange has become the new thing. Everyone wants the orange T-shirts too. “
The St. Albert Jersey City has been struggling to keep up with the demand for McDavid swag. On the day the store received its first shipment, it sold out of jerseys in fewer than four hours. The store has been quickly moving through its second shipment too.
The jersey sales are a sign that fans feel like they finally have something to be excited about. After eight abysmal seasons of missing the playoffs, McDavid offers hope for the fans and a bright future for the Oilers’ organization.
And the fans are not wrong. The scouting reports on his junior career highlight a shining resume, showing his expertise on the ice.
“Brilliant, graceful and imaginative offensive machine who has produced one of the finest amateur resumes in recent memory,” Steve Kournianos said in his draft report. “Hard to convey his dominance in words; you just have to watch him play one shift and it will encompass all the reasons why he’s a special talent.”
Another report by Dan Marr, the director of NHL central scouting, sang his praises and called him a “craftsman with the puck.”
McDavid will likely make his NHL debut on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. in St. Louis against the Blues. The Oilers home opener will be at Rexall Place on Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. against the St. Louis Blues.
