Connor McDavid: 'It's an exciting time to be an Oiler'

The Edmonton Oilers have just drafted Connor McDavid first overall in the NHL draft.

"This is unbelievable," McDavid said after the announcement. "There's no words to describe how I feel right now. It's so surreal."

• Oilers select Connor McDavid with 1st pick in NHL draft

McDavid admitted he was anxious leading up to the announcement and was now letting it soak in.

"It's an exciting time to be an Oiler," he told reporters a short time later. "I know the fans are excited and they should be."

Asked if he was following the number of changes made to the Oilers in the past few months, he said, "It's exciting of course. Mr. McLellan and Mr. Chiarelli are both great hockey minds."

McDavid rejected suggestions he was ever leery about becoming an Oiler.

"Now that I'm an Edmonton Oiler, I couldn't be more proud."

Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli described McDavid as a "special kid" with "a lot of good characteristics."

"We're lucky to have this pick.

Many fans consider McDavid a "generational" player, one that will change the fortunes of the hapless Oilers.

But Chiarelli said fans will have to temper their expectations.

"He's got to get his feet wet. It's a strong league," he said before adding, "It won't take him long."

McDavid told reporters the expectations he places on himself exceed those of other people.

"If I'm meeting my expectations, chances are I'll meet your guys' as well."

McDavid has said he intends to play in the NHL next season and admits he has his work cut out for him this summer.

"You got to get a lot bigger, a lot stronger and faster. You're playing against men now, it's a big jump. I got a big summer ahead for me for sure."

The Oilers later traded their 16th and 33rd picks to the New York Islanders for former Edmonton Oil King captain Griffin Reinhart.

Reinhart, a defenceman, was drafted fourth overall in 2012.

To no one's surprise, the Buffalo Sabres selected Jack Eichel at number two.