Oilers captain Connor McDavid had strong words for the team's younger players on the final day of training camp before the preseason begins next week. Even though the thought of the pain of their 2nd straight SCF loss still lingers, the Edmonton Oilers are back at work in training camp. They hope to get off to a much better start this year and to avoid a slow drift to begin the year as they have in each of the last pair of seasons. Edmonton made multiple subtractions to their team during the summer but also have more than a few new names. Following practice today on the 3rd day of training camp, captain Connor McDavid shared the positive thoughts he has on the new young players looking to make a name for themselves and also of what he thought of the feel of camp overall. I think it's motivation, I think it's excitement, I think it's a little bit of new blood, young blood, which is exciting to have. It brings some energy to the rink every day. Truthfully, I think that's the best practice we've had in a long, long, long time. It's exciting to be out there; fun, high paced, competitive. Thought it was the best practice we've had in a long time. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1968736242050203993'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <h3>Connor McDavid's Contract Situation Still Lingers</h3> Pulling away from the excitement of the new year starting, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/stan-bowman-discusses-connor-mcdavid-contract-impact-on-oilers-other-upcoming-free-agents' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>the issue of McDavid's contract</a> remains at the top of everyone's mind in Edmonton. McDavid is coming into the last year of his current deal, and isn't signed beyond 2026. He's spoken about wanting to win in Edmonton, and GM Stan Bowman has said they're not going to rush McDavid into a decision. One of McDavid's apparent concerns has been the team's long-term ability to contend so his comments about the youth stepping up could serve as a good sign for his future. But each passing day without an extension announcement for McDavid, the concern level is likely going to grow.