Avry Lewis-McDougall

Avry@TheHN

6 followers · 5 followings

Avry is a digital writer for The Hockey News and also contributes video features to THN's online platforms. As a writer with over a decade of experience, Avry has covered the Stanley Cup Final, Pan American Games, seven Grey Cups, and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Joined at Apr 24, 2024

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Caleb Kerney·1d·Partner

Could Oilers' Evander Kane Return Before Playoffs?

EDMONTON – So…you’re telling me there’s a chance? The great equalizer amongst NHL teams is the salary cap. The Edmonton Oilers have had problems with the salary cap this season, which they needed to resolve. It was paramount when the Trade Deadline came and went nearly a month ago. Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. Fast forward to today and things look a lot different for the Oilers. Connor McDavid and Stuart Skinner are injured, Leon Draisaitl is injured again, and Trent Frederic has not played a game for the team since his acquisition. Trending Oilers Stories Oilers Player Grades: Depth Steps Up In San Jose New Oilers Lines With Trent Frederic Oilers Calvin Pickard Hits New Milestone Oilers April 2025 Schedule: The Big, Final Push But what if I told you there is a (very slim) chance that one of their injured players could return before the season's end? And what if I told you that the injured player wasn’t supposed to be back when the Oilers were navigating the trade deadline? Evander Kane is among the most competitive players on the Oilers' roster. And if last year is of any indication, he isn’t going to let a little bit of pain stop him from playing. If he came back, what would it mean for the Oilers? For starters, it would give the team another element that many observers would say they have been missing this season. Kane’s mix of aggression and skill would be a welcomed addition to the team at any point of the year – especially if he is closer to full health than he was last year. The other thing that would happen is someone (or several someones) would need to go on LTIR for the money to work out. With Draisaitl absent from practice on Friday, there is a chance that he would be the one to bite the bullet. Of course, captain Connor might be the one to get shut down for the remainder of the regular season. In all honestly, that might be the more likely scenario. For now, Oilers fans can dream about Kane coming before the playoffs, but expect the very likely scenario that he’s ready for Game 1 of Round 1. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

Caleb Kerney·3d·Partner

4 Reasons There Needs To Be A Connor McDavid Biopic

EDMONTON – Movies are forever. Biopics of famous people are known to stand the test of time. They appeal to vast audiences, because they offer an intimacy into a person’s life that most people don’t see. That’s why Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid should have a biopic made about his life. He is one of the best to play hockey, and there is a depth to him that most don’t see. The injuries that he has overcome are already inspiring. Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. With all of that in mind, here are four reasons why there should be a biopic of McDavid’s life. Trending Oilers Stories Oilers Key Player Grades: A Gutsy Win In Vegas Brett Brochu Shines For Oilers' AHL Team Oilers Ink Towering Forward Josh Samanski Oilers Prospects: College Defenseman Damien Carfagna Signs Contract Connor McDavid Is One Of The Best Hockey Players Ever McDavid will go down in history as one of the best hockey players to ever play in the NHL. He’s only 28-years-old and is showing no signs of slowing down in his pursuit of the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup. Last season, he became the fourth player in history to record 100 assists in a season. Before him, only Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr had ever achieved that feat (Nikita Kucherov would reach the same milestone a few games later). McDavid currently sits 71st overall in the all-time points leaderboard, with 1072. Additionally, with 711 assists, he's ranked 60th all-time in career assists. However, McDavid's career is far from over. Every player (except Mario Lemieux) in the top 10 all-time scoring list has played at least 1300 games. McDavid has played 708 games, while recording 1.51 points per game over his career. If we apply that production level over a 1300-game career, he is on pace to have 1966 points by the time he hangs up his skates. If McDavid achieves that, he will be the second-highest scoring NHLer of all time behind only Gretzky. Connor McDavid Would Be A Great Character For The Right Actor McDavid has a tremendous amount of depth to him that the public hasn’t been privy to. Since late last season, he has really been coming out of his shell with the media, and being more comfortable under the microscope. He’s faced an intense pressure his whole life, and that kind of character would be a goldmine for an actor. Most actors love participating in biopics, primarily because those films are (typically) enjoyed by the Oscars’ voting body. The chance to play a hockey icon in the making would be one that any number of young actors would pounce at the opportunity, if it presented itself. McDavid’s Injury Recoveries Are Inspiring The Oilers captain is no stranger to injuries. The two biggest injuries of his career were a collarbone injury in his rookie season and a knee injury at the end of the 2018-19 season. McDavid’s collarbone injury had him sidelined for half of the season, missing out on his opportunity to win the Calder Trophy for best rookie. A few years later, his knee injury could have potentially ended his career – but more on that later. Connor McDavid Has Already Been On Screen McDavid is no stranger to the glitz and glamor of the spotlight. This happened most recently during the premiere season of Faceoff: Inside The NHL. Two of the six episodes of the debut season focus on McDavid, and the Oilers pursuit of the Stanley Cup last season. It offered a close up look at McDavid and all of the emotions surrounding winning and losing. But that wasn’t his first foray into documentary filmmaking. In the wake of his recovery from his major knee injury, a documentary special titled Whatever It Takes, debuted. The special revealed the full nature of McDavid’s injury, as well as laying out what was truly at stake with his injury and all of the recovery options. He suffered a full PCL tear (among other things) and decided to undergo a rigorous rehabilitation regime instead of surgery. Surgery had a projected 10-month recovery timeline. In the end, he was ready for opening night of the following season, and didn’t miss a single game. Considering all of these factors, there is more than enough material to make McDavid the subject of a biopic. Would you watch a biopic about McDavid in the future? Let us know what you think and comment below with your thoughts. Please vote in the poll at the end of this article to let your voice be heard. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

Yes, I'd watch it.

100%

3 users

No thanks.

What's a biopic?

Finn Marceau·1d·Partner

Oilers Key Player Grades: Offense Shut Down In L.A.

Injuries always catch up to you, sooner or later. While the Edmonton Oilers have been quite impressive without Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Mattias Ekholm over the past few weeks, their luck finally ran out on Saturday afternoon against the Los Angeles Kings. They had one of their most anemic offensive performances of the season against their division rivals, falling --- in a battle for second place in the Pacific Division. Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. Key Player Grades Trent Frederic: B- The Oilers did get a slight reprieve from their injury woes on Saturday, as Trent Frederic made his Oilers debut in his first game since February 25th. Though he had a brief injury scare in the first, he bounced back and acquitted himself fairly well in a slow night for the Oilers. His final line--two hits and a 46% xG share in 7:10 of ice time --was nothing to write home about, but simply returning to the lineup is a good sign for the Oilers' newest forward. His physicality will be much appreciated in coming rematches with the Kings. Trending Oilers Articles Oilers Sign Goalie Prospect To First Pro Contract New Oilers Lines With Trent Frederic Oilers Calvin Pickard Hits New Milestone Oilers April 2025 Schedule: The Big, Final Push Calvin Pickard: AThe Oilers have leaned heavily on Pickard since Stuart Skinner went down with a head injury, and Pickard has answered the call. Pickard kept the game close despite the Oilers' offensive struggles, saving 27 of 29 shots in his fifth consecutive start. Skinner or no Skinner, Pickard may be in the process of stealing the starting job in Edmonton. Corey Perry: B- Listen, it was a slow day for the Oilers. Perry was his usual steady self, leading the Oilers in expected goals share at 76% after hovering above 95% for the majority of the game. Even when nothing else is working, you can rely on Corey Perry. The Oilers didn't play poorly on Saturday, but they clearly missed their stars against one of the league's best defensive teams. Thankfully, they'll be back come the playoffs, when they'll need them more than ever in their rematch with the Kings. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

Caleb Kerney·2d·Partner

New Oilers Lines With Trent Frederic

EDMONTON – Hockey is a team game. It’s very tough to go far in the NHL if you only have one player driving the bus. Luckily for the Edmonton Oilers, they have many players who can step up with their superstars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid on the shelf. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jeff Skinner, and Calvin Pickard have all elevated their game at this crucial juncture of the year. Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. The Oilers also have the luxury of having several players injured who have not played yet for the team this year. Evander Kane and Trent Frederic are two such players. Trending Oilers Stories Oilers Injury Report: Trent Frederic, Evander Kane, Connor McDavid 4 Reasons There Needs To Be A Connor McDavid Biopic Oilers Player Grades: Depth Steps Up In San Jose Oilers Add Swedish League's Leading Scorer For 2025-26 Oilers April 2025 Schedule: The Big, Final Push If there are any conclusions to draw from Friday’s practice, it’s that Frederic is ready to rock and roll. Leon Draisaitl left Thursday night’s game against the San Jose Sharks in the second period with an injury. He is absent from Friday’s practice. As a result of this and Frederic jumping into the lineup, the forward lines are all mixed up. Podkolzin, Nugent-Hopkins, & Arvidsson Nugent-Hopkins assumes Draisaitl’s position being flanked by Viktor Arvidsson and Vasily Podkolzin. With the “German Gretzky” out, Nugent-Hopkins is the natural replacement for first line center. This trio saw time together before Draisaitl came back from his last injury. Reuniting them makes sense on several levels, so no surprises here. Frederic, Henrique, & Hyman This is where the spicy meatball comes in. Frederic was on a line with Adam Henrique and Zach Hyman. One of the great things about Frederic is his versatility. He was acquired primarily to be additional depth in the bottom-six. Now, he’s getting an opportunity to shine in the top six. There might be no better time for Frederic to make his mark than right now. After all, you only get one first impression. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

Caleb Kerney·2d·Partner

Oilers Calvin Pickard Hits New Milestone

EDMONTON – All you need is a chance. In hockey, you need your goaltender to give you a chance to win on most nights. For the Edmonton Oilers, they decided to stick with the tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard this season. For the most part, it’s worked out. Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. The Oilers are in third place in the Pacific Division and poised to face the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs (yet again). Skinner has not been available to the Oilers for just over a week and Pickard has picked up the slack. Despite calling up top farm-hand Olivier Rodrigue, the Oilers have heavily leaned on Pickard. Trending Oilers Stories Oilers Injury Report: Trent Frederic, Evander Kane, Connor McDavid 4 Reasons There Needs To Be A Connor McDavid Biopic Oilers Add Swedish League's Leading Scorer For 2025-26 Oilers April 2025 Schedule: The Big, Final Push He has started four straight games. Pickard has mustered up a 3-1 record in tandem with save percentages of .828, .929, .909, and .931 in those games. But now, he has achieved something this season that he hasn’t yet in his career. With Thursday night’s 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks, Pickard has recorded his 20th win of the year. Calvin Pickard Is Having A Great Season For The Oilers Last season, Pickard only played 20 games, mustering up a record of 12-7-1, along with a 2.45 goals against average (GAA), a .909 save percentage (SV%), and one shutout. This year, he’s played in 32 games, boasting a 20-8-1 record, a 2.66 GAA, and a .901 SV%. His 32 games played are the highest of his career since his 50-game season with the Colorado Avalanche back in 2016-17. Pickard only won 15 games that year, as it was a rebuilding season for the (now) powerhouse Avs. Pickard is giving the Oilers a chance to win every night, and you can’t ask more than that from your backup goaltender. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

Finn Marceau·8h·Partner

Alex Ovechkin Breaks Wayne Gretzky's All-Time Goals Record

There it is. The moment the whole NHL season has been leading up to finally happened on Sunday afternoon, when Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th goal to break Edmonton Oilers legend Wayne Gretzky's all-time record. Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. He did it in the most Ovechkin way possible, with an absolute laser from the top of the faceoff circle on the powerplay. Ovi has always been, above all else, a performer, and he sure put on a performance on Long Island on Saturday. Gretzky himself was there to witness the record-breaking goal, having followed the Washington Capitals along with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman for the past few games as Ovechkin inched closer to the record. "Some records are made to be broken, but I'm not sure who's going to get more goals than that," Gretzky said during a mid-game ceremony to celebrate the goal. It's hard to disagree with the Great One. Over his 20-year career, Ovechkin has scored an average of 49 goals per 82 games, taking exactly as many games to hit 895 as Gretzky did to score 894. Trending Oilers Articles Oilers Sign Goalie Prospect To First Pro Contract New Oilers Lines With Trent Frederic Oilers Calvin Pickard Hits New Milestone Oilers April 2025 Schedule: The Big, Final Push Of all his great accomplishments, this season may be Ovechkin's finest. When he broke his leg in November, it seemed to dash any hopes of catching Gretzky this season. At 40 years old, he was slowing down, having scored a career-low 31 goals last season. But Ovi came back with a vengeance and somehow sits second in the NHL with 42 goals despite missing 16 games this season. He broke the hallowed record by scoring at a 56-goal pace, the third-highest pace of his long and remarkable career. Ovechkin now stands alone, having broken a record many thought unbreakable. All that's left now is to see how high he can climb. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

Finn Marceau·2d·Partner

Oilers Player Grades: Depth Steps Up In San Jose

It took 75 games, but the Edmonton Oilers finally look like a fully constructed hockey team. Considering they're currently dealing with a nasty injury bug and lost Leon Draisaitl again on Thursday night, that's pretty impressive. Beating the lowly San Jose Sharks 3-2 is nothing to write home about, but the way they did it says a lot about this team as they look towards the playoffs. Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. Key Player Grades Connor Brown: A Who needs Connor McDavid when you have Connor Brown? The other Connor opened the scoring for the Oilers on Thursday with a frankly shocking burst of speed to split the Sharks' defenders and beat rookie netminder Georgi Romanov for his ninth goal of the season. Brown's game wasn't all flash, either. He and linemate Mattias Janmark were dominant on Thursday, playing to respective 94% and 96% expected goals shares in one of their best games of the season. Trending Oilers Articles Oilers Ink Towering Forward Josh Samanski Oilers Prospects: College Defenseman Damien Carfagna Signs Contract 4 Reasons There Needs To Be A Connor McDavid Biopic Oilers Add Swedish League's Leading Scorer For 2025-26 Viktor Arvidsson: B+ Arvidsson is heating up at the right time. He scored his first powerplay goal of the season in the second period, giving him goals in three straight games for the first time this season. He's scored six of his 13 goals since March 8th, a brief sign of the 25-goal player he's been in the past. The Oilers could use a whole lot more of that. Jeff Skinner: A+ What a strange season for Jeff Skinner. Despite struggling to score and to stay in the lineup for much of the season, the veteran winger has emerged as one of the Oilers' top forwards since Draisaitl and Connor McDavid were injured. He contributed two more points on Thursday, including the game-winning goal, and won 92% of the expected goals while he was on the ice. A fully operational Skinner and Arvidsson combo would make the Oilers a scary proposition in the playoffs. Despite the win, the biggest outcome of Thursday's game has yet to be revealed. Leon Draisaitl left the game in the second period after a couple of hard falls and seemed to be limping down the tunnel to the dressing room as he left. Draisaitl made his return from injury less than a week ago against Calgary on Saturday. With or without Draisaitl, the Oilers move on to one of their biggest games of the season this Saturday: a date with the Los Angeles Kings, who hold a two-point lead over the Oilers for home-ice advantage in their upcoming first-round matchup. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

Finn Marceau·1d·Partner

Oilers Sign Goalie Prospect To First Pro Contract

As seasons come to an end across the hockey world, the Edmonton Oilers' ranks are swelling. That process continued on Saturday, as the Oilers signed goaltending prospect Nathaniel Day to an entry-level contract following the end of his OHL career. Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. Drafted 184th overall by the Oilers in 2023, the 20-year-old Day is coming off the best season of his career with the Flint Firebirds. He led the OHL in games played, appearing in 59 of the Firebirds' 68 games with a 26-25-5 record and an .894 save percentage. Trending Oilers Articles Oilers Player Grades: Depth Steps Up In San Jose New Oilers Lines With Trent Frederic Oilers Calvin Pickard Hits New Milestone Oilers April 2025 Schedule: The Big, Final Push He was named the Firebirds' MVP at the end of the regular season and had a .902 save percentage and one shutout in Flint's five-game first-round playoff loss. The 6'4" netminder had struggled mightily in his previous seasons with the Firebirds, posting an .874 save percentage in 2022-23 and falling to .868 in 2023-24. Though his .894 SV% this season is nothing to write home about, improving to average still marks a huge step for Day. With Brett Brochu and Olivier Rodrigue seemingly set as the tandem in Bakersfield for next season, Day will likely start his pro career with the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL. He made his NHL preseason debut in 2024, and will be back in camp again in the fall. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.