"The Leafs aren’t in the finals" "Hope McDavid is not too hungover" - NHL fans react to Pierre LeBrun referring to Oilers as Canada's team

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun started a debate On Friday when he referred to the Edmonton Oilers as "Canada's team." LeBrun posted an image of the Oilers practicing before Game 1 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers on X.

Under Captain Connor McDavid's leadership, Edmonton will aim to win its first Stanley Cup championship since 1990. They were close to the finals last season but got eliminated in the second round. They had lost to the 2023 champions, the Vegas Golden Knights.

LeBrun captioned the image:

"Canada’s team on the ice for practice ahead of Game 1 tomorrow."

NHL fans who were not ready to accept Edmonton as 'Canada's team' reacted to his post.

"The Leafs aren’t in the finals Pierre," one fan tweeted.

"I hope McDavid is not too hungover," another fan tweeted.

"This whole 'Canada’s team' thing needs to stop. It’s 100% media driven," a fan tweeted.

LeBrun labeling the Oilers as "Canada's team" is in the light of support from Canadian hockey fans. They root for Edmonton to bring the Stanley Cup north after a 31-year drought. The last time a Canadian team won the NHL title was in 1993.

"Should be a great matchup. Panthers in 6," a fan tweeted.

"Lol I love it Pierre," another fan tweeted.

"Talk about engagement farming, while I agree, look at all the crying babies on this thread," one fan tweeted.

Edmonton Oilers and Sportsnet's new 11-year agreement

On the brink of the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers and Sportsnet announced a new 11-year agreement. This partnership extends Sportsnet's role as Edmonton's exclusive regional broadcast partner through 2035. Sportsnet also holds the national broadcast rights, making it the home for Edmonton Oilers games on TV and via live stream on Sportsnet+.

Stew MacDonald, president of OEG Sports & Entertainment, praised the partnership for providing top-tier broadcasts and innovative technology.

"The NHL’s best fans deserve the best regional broadcasts, whether they are watching on television or streaming on their mobile devices," MacDonald said.

Fans can watch the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between Edmonton and the Florida Panthers on Sportsnet, Sportsnet+ and CBC, starting June 8.