Ryan Shea, the Edmonton Oilers' new defenseman, has high praise for his new teammate Connor McDavid. Shea, who signed a five-year, $20 million contract with the Oilers, recently spoke to NHL.com about his excitement to play with McDavid, comparing him to Sidney Crosby, his former teammate with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
What drew Ryan Shea to the Edmonton Oilers?
Shea, who spent the last three seasons with the Penguins, was drawn to the Oilers because of the opportunity to play with McDavid, who he believes is the best player in the NHL. "You get Sid that has been around the game for so long and he's won (Stanley) Cups and done everything that you can do pretty much in the League, and being around him and learning from him and his leadership was incredible," Shea said. "And now you're going to be playing with probably the best player to put on skates (McDavid)."
How does Ryan Shea think he can contribute to the Oilers?
Shea believes that his experience playing with Crosby and the Penguins will help him contribute to the Oilers' success. "The guys in Edmonton, Connor, Leon (Draisaitl) and (Zach) Hyman have already texted me and welcomed me, so it's already starting, and you can see the kind of culture those guys have built there, and I'm just really excited for it," Shea said.
What are the Oilers' chances of winning the Stanley Cup?
With the addition of Shea and other new players, the Oilers are looking to make a deep run in the playoffs. Shea is excited to be a part of a team that has a strong chance of winning the Stanley Cup. "My dad said when it's all said and done, I get to say I played with guys that will probably go down as the top guys to ever play the sport. It's awesome, honestly," Shea said.
What's next for Ryan Shea and the Edmonton Oilers?
Shea will join the Oilers for training camp and will look to secure a spot on the team's roster. With his experience and skill, he is expected to be a key contributor to the team's success. The Oilers will look to build on their strong offseason and make a push for the Stanley Cup in the upcoming season.