The THN poll results are in! Connor McDavid is the heavy favorite to win both the Art Ross and the Maurice Richard trophy. Today the Edmonton Oilers' begin their pre-season practices. In addition to that the big announcement Jeff Jackson alluded to yesterday (that I reported on) has been made official today. Michael Parketti has been announced as the new Senior Director of Data & Analytics. He will be spearheading the creation and operation of a new analytics department for the Oilers. Parketti previously provided consultation to the Oilers organization between 2013-15, as per the team's press release. He has also been instrumental in the creation of expected goals - which is considered an industry standard across the hockey world. Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins & Leon Draisaitl celebrate a powerplay goal. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk4NjEyNTY2NDYzNzUxNjE5/usatsi_20459886_168401874_lowres.jpg] Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins & Leon Draisaitl celebrate a powerplay goal. It's tough to gauge how much of an impact this hire will have on the 2023-24 season. In the very least, it sets the team up for future success beyond this year. This is one of many steps that Jackson is taking to make the Oilers a top notch organization in every aspect of the game. Many changes have already occurred in his brief time at the helm of Hockey Operations for the Oilers. You can expect many more changes like this in the near future. Related: Oilers' Forward Has 60-Goal Potential Related: ESPN's Projections Doesn't Take Oilers' McDavid Seriously Related: 3 Oilers' Superstars With the Best Middle Names Related: Legendary NHLer Would Jump at Chance to Play Wing With McDavid
