“Management in years past have always done a good job of pitching in and giving us another horse in the stable to help us coming down the stretch and into the playoffs, so I’d expect management to do the same.” Connor McDavid said ahead of the trade deadline. If you read between the lines, it was a subtle yet firm nudge to the Oilers management that the team needs players.

Thankfully, the Oilers bosses listened. They went above and beyond, singing not one but three NHL stars during the chaotic last phase of the trade window. Everyone else who didn’t make any moves earlier scrambled to make one as the window closed. The result? Some shocking moves like the Bruins trading Brad Marchand for a draft pick, Mikko Rantanen choosing Dallas, and more.

Naturally, McDavid had a lot to say about the new Oilers, because his team was among those who capitalized on the upheaval in Boston. While the Bruins obliterated their 2024-25 roster, the Oilers picked up Trent Frederic and Max Jones. “I feel like I like our moves feel like we’re in a good spot. That’s all we can ask for,” Connor McDavid told reporters, praising his team’s decision to acquire the two forwards.

Besides bolstering the offense, the Oilers also strengthened the backend by signing San Jose Sharks defenseman Jake Walman. The 28-year-old felt optimistic about the signings because they would add some much-needed grunt to the Oilers on the ice. “Wally’s great, Freddy and Jonesy as well. You know, just all big bodies that can skate,” said McDavid.

Connor McDavid’s team hasn’t had a great time lately. They absorbed four big losses against the likes of the Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche and more. The ducks handed them their most recent 6-3 loss. So, McDavid hopes the new additions will help the Oilers play a “little bit more of a heavier game,” on the ice. However, of the three additions, the Canadian star was certainly more “excited” about one.

Connor McDavid on his fellow Toronto native

While talking about their new signings, McDavid got especially excited while discussing new Oilers’ defenseman Jake Walen. McDavid didn’t beat around the bush about revealing his eagerness to share the ice with an old friend. “Wally’s a great player. Kind of grew up playing against him, playing with him, know him well,” the 4 Nations Face-Off winner confessed.

While the ice hockey stars haven’t shared an NHL team, McDavid was talking about their time of playing in the GTHL. That was over 13 years ago. Yet, the duo go back even further, growing up together as part of the Greater Toronto Hockey community. Connor McDavid praise for Walen continued. He said Wally was, “solid, big body, skates well, defends well. He’ll help back there.”

Needless to say, Jake Walen is equally excited to sign with the Oilers. The NHL defenseman also nothing but praise for his new team. The former San Jose Sharks player revealed his desire to “always” be part of a team that’s a title contender. So he’s delighted to be part of the Oilers who, despite their recent slump, are Stanley Cup contenders nonetheless.

He also spoke about being awestruck about reuniting with his old friend. “Yeah, I got to pinch myself a little bit. It’s cool for me being back seeing Connor. Know a bunch of guys familiar, bunch of guys on the team, and bunch of new faces. So I’m excited to get going,” explained Jake Walen. However, only time and a few NHL games will tell just how well the new signings are fitting into their roles at the Oilers.