WATCH ABOVE: Kevin Karius sits down for a one-on-one with hockey phenom Connor McDavid in Florida, ahead of Friday’s NHL Draft.
EDMONTON – In case there was any question, Oilers G.M. Peter Chiarelli made it clear Friday morning there is no chance he is trading the first overall pick leading up to Friday night’s NHL Entry Draft.
“I’m not trading the number one pick. No one has called me on it,” said Chiarelli.
While Chiarelli won’t trade the first pick, he has been “entertaining” offers for Edmonton’s 16th overall selection.
“We’ve had some good amateur meetings the last few days. There’s going to be a real good player there, so it would have to take something pretty good for me to move that pick.”
READ MORE: After Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, NHL draft begins at 3
One of Chiarelli’s priorities this off season is getting a goaltender by either a trade or free agency, which he hopes he can accomplish within the next few days.
“We’re in on a few of these goalies. We’re in on a few of the free agent goalies. We want to do the right thing, but we don’t want to overspend either.”
WATCH: Oilers G.M. Peter Chiarelli discusses 1st and 16th overall selections and goalie hunt
As the Oilers pondered possible draft picks, free agency and trade scenarios Friday, Oiler fans were in hysteria with anticipation of Edmonton drafting generational talent Connor McDavid.
READ MORE: Edmonton ready to welcome hockey phenom Connor McDavid
On social media, fans dubbed Friday “McDavid Day.”
WATCH: Excitement builds Friday morning over the Oilers anticipate selection of Connor McDavid with the 1st overall selection in Friday NHL Entry Draft
Global News will have full coverage of the 2015 NHL Draft. Global’s Kevin Karius is in Florida providing the latest on the Oilers as they get set to make two selections in Friday’s first round.