Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid spoke about the team's early playoff exit and the roster adjustments that followed.
The Oilers were eliminated in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks, leading to the dismissal of head coach Kris Knoblauch and assistant Mark Stuart.
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Mike Babcock and D. J.
Smith have been appointed as replacements.
McDavid pointed to ongoing structural issues that affected the team throughout the season.
"We've been searching for consistency all year and obviously we didn't find it here in the playoffs," McDavid said.
"It's tough.
We were an average team all year; an average team with high expectations, you're going to be disappointed."
The captain acknowledged the medical staff's efforts in managing player injuries but did not use health problems as an excuse.
"Too hurt, too soon," McDavid said. "The first round is always tough.
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Credit to our staff for making guys available. That being said, it's not an excuse.
We expected to have a longer run."
McDavid on Top Prospect Gavin McKenna
Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected forward Gavin McKenna as the first overall pick in the NHL Draft Lottery after missing the playoffs for the first time in ten years.
McDavid admitted he has not closely followed McKenna's pre-draft evaluation.
"I don't know much about him. I haven't paid attention all that much," McDavid said.
"Seems like he's a good kid."
He expressed confidence that veteran leadership in Toronto, including Auston Matthews, will help McKenna adjust to the high-pressure environment.
"He'll have his hands full in Toronto, but he seems like he's prepared for it," McDavid said.
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"He'll have a good support system there too, obviously with Auston, so he should be fine."
