During an interview today, Hockey Hall Of Fame reporter Jim Matheson asked Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl what the problem is and what the Oilers “need to get better at.”. To this question, Leon simply responded…
One thing that should be noted is that Jim Matheson has been a journalist for quite some time. He understands the “do’s and don’ts,” the privilege and responsibility of being a professional journalist. This earns Jim Matheson quite a bit of flack, as some have called it “unprofessional” and “embarrassing.” That being said, what Matheson did here is very unprofessional and a bad look on his part. You cannot lose your cool at any athlete in pro sports because, as I just said, it’s a privilege that you get a chance to ask these players questions and take time out of their day for them.
This isn’t the first time Jim Matheson has got attention for his media availability with a player, as it happened this past off-season with Oilers goalie Mikko Koskinen. During an interview, Matheson said this: “…the fans such wanted a different goaltender than you, are you upset about that or do you have to show them and everybody else in your own mind that you’re an NHL goaltender?”. To tell a player that they aren’t wanted, and the fan base wanted someone else isn’t a great look on Mathesons’ behalf.
When you’ve been a journalist for as long as Jim Matheson has, you are going to get frustrated answers like Draisaitl’s was, but to respond as Matheson did was embarrassing to listen to and straight-up childish. It’ll be interesting to see what the following interview looks like between Draisaitl and Matheson, because by the looks of things, it may just be an entertaining one to listen to.
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Why don’t they just yank this jerk once n for all. The players want to tell him to go f-off but can’t. We already have enough issues to fix let alone listening n letting crap like this go on.
I can see why people would like that, but it’s the fact that he’s been in the journalism game for so long, that’s why he’s still in.
The Oilers are in a tailspin for the basement if they don’t pick up their enthusiasm for the game and start playing up to their capabilities. This team is far too talented to play lack lustre hockey! It is interesting to watch other teams play with spirit and a will to win like Vancouver and Boston. It isn’t much fun waiting for McDavid or Leon to win close games for the Oilers…two men cannot make up a team effort! We need stellar goal tending and four lines producing a winning effort!!!!!
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