Is Connor McDavid The Next One?
Unless there is some kind of minor miracle at 2015 NHL Draft this Sunday, the Edmonton Oilers are set to select Connor McDavid at the first overall pick. His selection was highly sought after for all NHL sides last season. Maple Leafs fans in particular were fervent supporters of 'Tank Nation' which celebrated each loss which brought them closer to the chance to select the Ontario native. When Edmonton won the first pick from the NHL Draft lottery, many fans expressed disappointment of the Oilers once again getting this selection. Particularly as it seemed it has become a little too familiar with the same underwhelming results being produced.
The hype around McDavid has been at fever pitch for some time, many experts have already compared him to legends Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux! His OHL jersey has already been selling for a pretty penny at auctions and many are convinced he is already a superstar. But in the midst of this hullabaloo, many seem to be forgetting one vital fact... McDavid has yet to touch a puck in the NHL. The signs of success are definitely there, but predicting a young kids future can be a tricky one.
Like last years number one pick, Aaron Ekblad, McDavid has been given an exceptional status for the draft at just 18 years old. You don't get to that status without being a little bit special. Last season while playing for the Erie Otters of the OHL, the Richmond Hill native scored a remarkable 120 points in the regular season alone. He would follow this with another 49 points in the Memorial Cup play-offs as the Otters fell in the final to the Oshawa Generals in 5 games. Despite the loss, McDavid was still awarded the Wayne Grezky 99 Award as MVP. Few would argue that this one was one kid who had been the Otters real driving piston.
On home in Canada at the 2015 World Junior Championships, McDavid was in fine form for Team Canada. His tournament leading 8 assists and 3 goals helped the Canadians earned an emotional gold medal win. McDavid's tournament all-star selection was a well earned one. Against the newest talents of the game, he shone brightly. The key element that excites many GM's and coaches of the NHL is that McDavid already seems ready for the big time. Drafting a young player is always a risk that could turn into the horror show of Patrik Stefan or Alexandre Daigle. But McDavid seems like a grounded prospect already, the only real concern he faces is braving the Alberta winter.
Though there is already a foreboding sense that Edmonton may not be the place for his career to start. Gretzky himself has positively stated that he feels McDavid is perfect for them. No offense to the Great One, but being impressive on the Oilers isn't a monumental challenge. The Oilers are a lifetime away from even making a wild card slot so McDavid will have to be patient and wait success out for now. Three number one picks in five years really should have given the Oilers the boost they need by now.However, playing this young guy on the top line against Hall and Nugent-Hopkins may just be the trump card that this team needs.
Unlike previous years, this is one NHL draft will more closely watched than ever before. McDavid has the gifts to succeed, but he now needs to show he worthy of the hype. As Don Cherry once said, "Keep Your Head Up Kid!"
The hype around McDavid has been at fever pitch for some time, many experts have already compared him to legends Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux! His OHL jersey has already been selling for a pretty penny at auctions and many are convinced he is already a superstar. But in the midst of this hullabaloo, many seem to be forgetting one vital fact... McDavid has yet to touch a puck in the NHL. The signs of success are definitely there, but predicting a young kids future can be a tricky one.
Like last years number one pick, Aaron Ekblad, McDavid has been given an exceptional status for the draft at just 18 years old. You don't get to that status without being a little bit special. Last season while playing for the Erie Otters of the OHL, the Richmond Hill native scored a remarkable 120 points in the regular season alone. He would follow this with another 49 points in the Memorial Cup play-offs as the Otters fell in the final to the Oshawa Generals in 5 games. Despite the loss, McDavid was still awarded the Wayne Grezky 99 Award as MVP. Few would argue that this one was one kid who had been the Otters real driving piston.
On home in Canada at the 2015 World Junior Championships, McDavid was in fine form for Team Canada. His tournament leading 8 assists and 3 goals helped the Canadians earned an emotional gold medal win. McDavid's tournament all-star selection was a well earned one. Against the newest talents of the game, he shone brightly. The key element that excites many GM's and coaches of the NHL is that McDavid already seems ready for the big time. Drafting a young player is always a risk that could turn into the horror show of Patrik Stefan or Alexandre Daigle. But McDavid seems like a grounded prospect already, the only real concern he faces is braving the Alberta winter.
Though there is already a foreboding sense that Edmonton may not be the place for his career to start. Gretzky himself has positively stated that he feels McDavid is perfect for them. No offense to the Great One, but being impressive on the Oilers isn't a monumental challenge. The Oilers are a lifetime away from even making a wild card slot so McDavid will have to be patient and wait success out for now. Three number one picks in five years really should have given the Oilers the boost they need by now.However, playing this young guy on the top line against Hall and Nugent-Hopkins may just be the trump card that this team needs.
Unlike previous years, this is one NHL draft will more closely watched than ever before. McDavid has the gifts to succeed, but he now needs to show he worthy of the hype. As Don Cherry once said, "Keep Your Head Up Kid!"
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