Everybody recognizes that Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid is the best player on the planet. He’s racked up countless individual accolades throughout his incredible career, and has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, he currently leads the NHL in scoring with 96 points.
With 1,178 points in 770 career games, no one doubts the fact that McDavid is one of the most gifted players to ever suit up in the NHL. That said, there is plenty of debate as to where he will rank amongst the all-time greats once his career is said and done.
As much as everyone marvels at McDavid’s brilliance, there are many who, at this point, wouldn’t have him in their top five to ever play the game. You would likely even find some who wouldn’t put him in the top 10. Why, you ask? Well, it’s quite simple. He’s never won a Stanley Cup.
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Though McDavid has helped lead the Oilers to two-straight Cup Finals, he and his teammates came up short at the hands of the Florida Panthers in each. At 29, there’s still plenty of time for the Richmond Hill native to hoist the greatest trophy in sports, but until he does, many will use that against him.
McDavid Could Sway Opinions at Olympics
What’s also hurt McDavid’s legacy to this point is that he hasn’t had the opportunity to represent his country on the Olympic stage. That finally changed on Thursday, as he was able to make his Olympic debut, recording three assists in a 5-0 win over Czechia.
The issue of not representing Canada on the Olympic stage means that McDavid has never had all eyes on him. Sure, many have tuned in to the past two Stanley Cup Finals, but there is no denying that there is much more attention from hockey fans at this type of best-on-best event.
These types of games can go a long way in helping create a legacy. Take a look at Sidney Crosby, for example. Sure, he also has three Stanley Cup rings, but there is no goal he’s scored that was bigger than the golden goal versus USA at the 2010 Olympics. It’s a goal that is still often brought up whenever discussing the 38-year-old superstar.
It’s worth noting that McDavid did had a similar moment one year ago at the 4 Nations Face Off, scoring the overtime winner in the final versus USA. It was a massive goal for the Oilers captain, but, with it not coming in the Olympics, it doesn’t get put on the same level as Crosby’s.
That is why these Olympic Games are so important for McDavid. He has the eyeballs of hockey fans from all across the globe on him, and has a chance to prove to everybody just how special of a talent he is. He could also strongly improve his legacy with a signature moment like Crosby had back in 2010.
So far, so good for McDavid when it comes to showing his dominance. As mentioned, he recorded three assists in Canada’s opening game while also seeing the most ice time of all forwards. It’s the exact start Oilers fans, and all Canada fans for that matter, hoped to see the game’s best player get off to.
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That said, round robin moments aren’t ones that fans are going to remember. In order to help boost his legacy, McDavid is going to need to lead his Canadian teammates to a gold medal. Though it may not be the same as a Stanley Cup in the eyes of many, you can bet if he puts on a historic showing that leads Canada to gold, it will be something brought up any time he’s mentioned once his playing career has concluded.
