It’s another Wednesday in the middle of the NHL dead zone, which means a fresh episode of Better Lait Than Never is ready to recap another pre-season week in Edmonton. On today’s podcast, I discussed the start of Oilers’ rookie camp, the latest on Connor McDavid watch, Mattias Ekholm wanting to re-sign, and whatever else has happened over the last seven days.

The Edmonton Oilers are on the ice for the captain’s skates, rookie camp is set to launch, and we’re inching our way closer to the start of the 2025-26 NHL season. The Oilers’ rookies will take on the Flames’ rookies this weekend at Rogers Place and then at the Saddledome, and that has me excited to see what our latest crop of kids has cooking. For the big club, we’re still waiting for Connor McDavid contract news, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t starting to get nervous about how long this is taking. Sticking with the extension talk, I also went over Mattias Ekholm’s desire to remain an Oiler and how I think that’s both awesome and a tricky situation at the same time.

Finally, I wrapped up this week’s episode of BLTN with a Righteous Sack Beating about my Internet before wrapping up the podcast with another round of voicemails. The voicemail was alive with nonsense again this week, and as always, the messages were as fun as they were all over the map. The voicemail is always a fun way to wrap up the show and give everyone a chance to share their thoughts. Another hearty thank you to everyone who contributed to this week’s episode, because having all of you in the mix makes the show so much better.