Connor McDavid is a long-time representative of the Edmonton Oilers and one of the most celebrated players in the NHL. Through spectacular scoring years and playoff runs, the Oilers captain has had such heavy expectations in his career. However, when he had been appointed the captain, this was not the response that many fans would have had.
Almost 10 years down the road, having been wearing the C of the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid is looking back on that turning point. In a remarkably open memory, he told the relatively funny and human idea that came to his mind when he was tasked to head one of the most renowned clubs in hockey, a moment still being featured in the NHL news roundup.
Connor McDavid reflects on Edmonton Oilers captaincy announcement
Although Connor McDavid officially became the captain of the Edmonton Oilers, he was aware of the responsibility. The franchise with great legends such as Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier has a huge history, and when he took that position, he immediately felt the pressure of being under pressure to live up to the superstar status, which he did not want.
However, as McDavid would later explain in the Players’ Tribune, his initial consideration was not necessarily about legacy or leadership.
“Obviously, when you’re given the C at 19, there are a million things that go through your mind,” McDavid shared. “You start wondering if you can grow a beard. You start thinking about your suits. But the one thing I kept thinking was, ‘Man, I really gotta move out of my parents’ house now.’ I’m supposed to be the leader of a room full of grown men who have two or three kids.”
Looking back, McDavid admitted the responsibility did not always feel natural.
“I wanted that pressure, no doubt. But I’d be lying if I said it came naturally, or that the weight of it wasn’t heavy,” he wrote, recalling nights when teammates looked to him for answers after tough losses.
Today, the path of Connor McDavid as a self-conscious and slightly nervous new captain to a Stanley Cup Final leader characterises his development. His reflection acts as a recall that even the brightest stars of the NHL used to be questioned by the same doubts – and came out themselves.
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