'They never take a shift off': Spitfires' Caden Harvey brings lessons home from Oilers camp

Caden Harvey spent part of his training camp following around two of the best players in the world. Now he's putting what he learned to work in Windsor.

"Obviously skated with guys like, McDavid and Draisaitl it's something I can't take for granted," Harvey told PowerplayWindsor.com. "Just follow them around every day and learn a lot of things from them."

The 18-year-old Spitfires forward from Beaver, Pa., was taken by the Edmonton Oilers in the sixth round, 180th overall, at the 2026 NHL Draft. He got his first taste of the organization at Oilers camp this fall, and the staff left an impression.

"The coaches, they're top notch," Harvey said.

One of those coaches is a familiar name. Oilers assistant coach DJ Smith is a Windsor native who won two Memorial Cups with the Spitfires.

"He's a good guy. It was my first time meeting him so it was good to learn from him and hopefully more conversations in the future, stories and stuff," Harvey said.

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What stood out most was how hard the Oilers stars work when nobody's keeping score.

"They never take a shift off in practice. They're always winning puck battles," Harvey said. "Their recovery is top notch, and they're always looking for a way to get better."

Harvey also brought back something specific for his own game: a faceoff move to tie up his opponent on the draw. He plans to add it to his game this season.

So pay close attention to when you see him line up for a faceoff and see if you can pick out the move.

Harvey had 2 assists in Monday's Thanksgiving Day loss to Saginaw and has two goals and five points in six games this season.

For stats and standings: Local Sports | Powerplay Sports

Windsor has back to back games this week with the Sudbury Wolves coming to town Thursday night and the Owen Sound Attack visiting the WFCU Centre Friday night.