The Edmonton Oilers back in May 2015 won what many considered the Connor McDavid sweepstakes when they were granted the privilege of picking first overall that June.
Heading into the 2015 NHL Draft year, Connor McDavid was the de facto No. 1 ranked prospect. He had been since before he was even granted exceptional status to enter the OHL as a 15 year old. He was a generational talent and everybody recognized that.
McDavid vs Eichel
However, there was a phenom playing for the Boston University Terriers (NCAA) named Jack Eichel. He was demolishing the college circuit as a Freshman and was a player many considered to be the only challenger to McDavid for the No. 1 pick. In his own right, he was -- and still is -- an incredible player in his own right.
Unsurprisingly, when the Oilers stepped up to the podium to announce their selection, it was McDavid from the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The Buffalo Sabres followed up, sprinting to the stage and chose the American born centre, Eichel right after.
These all strung together to create a storyline, a narrative pitting both players up against each other. But there has never really been a question of which one is better. McDavid is hands down the best player in the NHL right now and likely in the entire world -- some would even argue he is the best ever.
McDavid is the greatest player in his generation
Going down the list of accomplishments and achievements, McDavid easily clears Eichel in every conceivable way (hockey-reference.com). He was the first overall pick and has been an NHL captain since he was 18 years old. While Eichel was only a captain of the Sabres for three seasons (2018-19 to 2020-21).
McDavid has more games played, goals, assists, even his plus/minus is better. Do not forget the accomplishments either; McDavid's cabinet is filled with five Art Ross trophies, three Hart Memorial trophies, a Conn Smythe, a Rocket Richard, he even has a Four Nations Faceoff gold medal and Eichel has none.
The only thing that Eichel beats McDavid in is arguably the most important one, he has a Stanley Cup ring. The one prize that McDavid wants more than anything else, he does not have.
Eichel and McDavid embody leadership and a commitment to win
Although, both players do have their similarities. They are both stars and number one centres for their respective teams. They are also both amongst the top of the league.
Most importantly, the one thing that both players seem to share is their drive to win. They have shown they will take a discount in order to help their team build around them. Eichel was recently signed to an eight-year deal, carrying a $13.5 million annual average value. McDavid signed a two-year extension at the exact same cap figure he is currently at, $12.5 million.
These contracts are undeniably discounts and well below market value given the skill level they possess and the value they bring to an NHL team.
They also both come after Kirill Kaprizov broke the NHL record, signing a whopping eight-year contract worth $17 million AAV. He does admittedly have a unique situation with the Minnesota Wild but there were no discounts there.
Both Eichel and McDavid have proven with their actions that they are willing to make sacrifices to win. They are willing to take less in order to give their team the best possible chance to lift Lord Stanley's Cup.