Whatever happens tonight in the Alberta capital, it is already a victory for the Oilers. There were plenty of rumours during the summer Connor McDavid would not be ready opening night, but he’ll be out there with the “C” on his jersey, leading Edmonton against Vancouver. I went with Nathan MacKinnon as my Hart Trophy pick in our Sportsnet.ca predictions, but 

Elias

Pettersson

Centre

Sundsvall, SWE

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” data-toggle=”tooltip” data-placement=”auto” data-html=”true” data-trigger=”hover click focus”>Elias Pettersson was very, very high on my list.

There are players in this league who recognize McDavid’s greatness, but want to make it clear to everyone they see themselves at the same level. 

Mitchell

Marner

Right Wing

Markham, ON

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” data-toggle=”tooltip” data-placement=”auto” data-html=”true” data-trigger=”hover click focus”>Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews are two of them. Pettersson is another. On the road, Vancouver does not control the matchup, but I hope we see Pettersson get a few shifts versus McDavid. Who gets that puck? How hard does the other work to get it back? This is a showdown we’ve earned, Travis Green and Dave Tippett. Give it to us.

It’s a massive season for Vancouver, too. Get out of the province if you want to talk about anything other than a playoff berth.