Oilers’ Cup or Bust mentality may push to monster trade by Ken Holland!
The GM may not have a choice - he is aware of that. Right?
HockeyFeed
Edmonton Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have made it clear that they expect their team to make it all the way to the Stanley Cup final, sooner rather than later. It was especially clear when the latter made his “Cup Or Bust” statement at the team’s exit interviews in May.
While the mindset is ideal to become a top contender, GM Ken Holland recently revealed to The Athletic that he was not phased by the Cup or Bust mentality in Edmonton. He admits that he could have felt pressure resulting from Draisaitl’s comments, but the general manager maintains that he is staying focused on the ultimate goal.
“When I came to Edmonton four years ago, I understood quickly that when Connor McDavid ’s career is in your hands to some degree as a manager, there’s a responsibility that comes with that. We’ve tried to build it up, we’re getting better and I think if you want to win a Cup you have to keep being good. Look at Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Washington, Vegas. If you want to win a Cup, you have to keep banging on the door.”
Fans in Edmonton are getting fed up with Holland’s excuses, but will be reassured to know that the GM did mention the possibility of a trade to improve the roster drastically to get to the Finals.
"… our goal is to legitimately compete for the Stanley Cup and you need veterans to do that,” Holland said, adding that he is willing to use all the tools at his disposal, including trading a first round pick if necessary.
So, maybe Holland feels pressured by the Cup or Bust statement, which may finally lead to a monster trade in 2023-24 in Edmonton!
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