WATCH ABOVE: After weeks of anticipation, Connor McDavid is now officially a member of the Edmonton Oilers. Global’s Kevin Karius was in Florida for the 2015 NHL Draft.
SUNRISE, Fla. – Connor McDavid wondered for years what his draft day would be like. He was still basking in the afterglow Saturday morning.
“I woke up this morning, it was almost surreal,” the Edmonton Oilers’ top pick said. “It felt like it was a dream last night.
“It’s a night I’ve dreamt about for a long time now, and it went just the way I’d hoped and it was everything I could ever want it to be.”
READ MORE: Edmonton Oilers select Connor McDavid first overall in 2015 NHL Draft
McDavid thinks it’s still too early to look ahead to next season and joining the Oilers. First up is a trip to Edmonton on Tuesday for development camp.
The new face of the franchise spent some time on the second day of the draft sitting at the Oilers’ table and watching general manager Peter Chiarelli and his staff go to work. Edmonton traded for goaltender Cam Talbot and defenceman Eric Gryba on a busy day that set up McDavid for a better short-term future than anticipated.
“It’s really cool just to see how it all shakes out,” McDavid said. “It’s a whole science plan.”
McDavid is at the centre of the Oilers’ present and future, even if he still talks like there’s work to be done to make the team out of training camp.
The McDavid hype took another step at the South Florida draft. Already signed with CCM, the Newmarket, Ont., native is now affiliated with Upper Deck and Canadian Tire.
McDavid seems like he’s trying to block it all out. He said he hasn’t been looking at his phone a crazy amount or paying attention to reaction on Twitter.
The 18-year-old has had a few conversations with new teammates, who he called very welcoming. Saturday was also a chance to take some joy in the success of former teammates.
Along with McDavid, Erie Otters centre Dylan Strome went third to the Arizona Coyotes. On Saturday, the Toronto Maple Leafs took Otters defenceman Travis Dermott with their early second-round pick at No. 34.
Outgoing owner and general manager Sherry Bassin was on hand to witness some Otters history.
“Just great for the city of Erie, great for the organization,” McDavid said. “I’m sure Sherry’s proud of us.”
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