In our most recent “Players in Review” post, we discussed Cam Talbot, even though he is new to this Edmonton Oilers squad. That being said, I give you a Players in Review article for the kid everyone’s been talking about. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s Connor McDavid.
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Potential
We all know what Connor McDavid is capable of. Greatness, absolute greatness. Think of Iron Man and multiply him by two, then hand him a hockey stick. Boom, you get McDavid.
The kid is a total stud. He sees the ice well and knows how to handle the puck in any way possible. His playmaking skills remind me of Wayne Gretzky, and his talent is just remarkable. According to fans, he is set to become “The Next One” behind Gretzky. However, although there are high expectations, and although know he is capable of demolishing NHL ice, will he exceed his expectations at just 18 years old?
There have been first-round picks dubbed the next great thing and compared to former greats, but since Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, as well as Steven Stamkos, there are not many players who have proven to become the NHL’s next great.
However, I see something different in McDavid. I see talent, skill and ability that will make this transition to NHL hockey smooth sailing, as well as bring him great stats throughout his career. He can be great, he just has to work for it.
Performance
McDavid’s performance this past season, as well as in his OHL career, is superb. Outstanding. With 44 goals and 76 assists last season, McDavid blew us away as captain of the Lake Erie Otters. No one has gotten close to 120 points in NHL hockey these few seasons, and McDavid just did it so easily in junior hockey. The previous seasons, McDavid has scored at least 20 goals and at least 40 assists. He hit the 70 assist mark twice. Let’s not forget his 209 point season with the Toronto Marlboros AAA Midget League Team before he got to the OHL.
Let’s talk about how he also powered his team to the finals with a sensational playoff performance, and although he lost, he was the MVP of the playoffs. McDavid does not only have scoring ability, but he has the ability to serve as a leader and a role model who leads by example.
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His hard work payed off, as the Edmonton Oilers selected him first overall at the 2015 NHL Draft. He went ahead quickly, signed a contract, claimed he wants to spend his whole career in an Oilers jersey and headed for Development Camp. His performance was consistent with his career, proving to be amazing and dominant and including a five-goal performance in just one scrimmage.
His performance? Fantastic.
Projections
He will be great, but we’re just going to have to let him transition into NHL hockey. It’s a tougher, faster league up here, and he may take a few games to adjust. Or, he will be perfectly fine and ready to dominate once he steps on NHL ice. He will finish the season with high stats, as well as with a hopeful Calder Trophy nomination. In addition, with his help, and with Todd McLellan‘s coaching, he will bring the Oilers, as well as his NHL career numbers, up through the standings as quickly as possible. Get ready for this kid, because you’re going to see what we’ve been waiting years for: a new NHL Great.
Next: Edmonton Oilers Players in Review: Benoit Pouliot