Title: Connor McDavid’s Quest for Best-on-Best International Play
Introduction
Connor McDavid, the NHL superstar and captain of the Edmonton Oilers, has expressed his strong desire to represent Team Canada in best-on-best international tournaments. Despite his remarkable achievements in the NHL, McDavid feels that he is missing out on the opportunity to compete against the world’s best players on the international stage. In this article, we will explore McDavid’s longing for best-on-best tournaments and his aspirations to play alongside hockey legends like Sidney Crosby.
The Absence of Best-on-Best Tournaments
McDavid’s last experience wearing a Team Canada jersey in a best-on-best event was during the 2014 and 2015 World Junior Championships when he was just 16 and 17 years old. Since then, he has participated in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey as part of a one-off North American team and two men’s World Championships, which coincided with the Stanley Cup Playoffs. McDavid believes that the absence of best-on-best tournaments deprives fans of witnessing iconic moments like the famous goals scored by Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky in the 1987 Canada Cup and Crosby’s golden goal in 2010.
Looking Ahead to Future Tournaments
McDavid’s next opportunity to represent Canada in a best-on-best tournament will likely be the 2025 World Cup or the 2026 Olympics. However, by that time, he will be approaching the second half of his career at the age of 28 or 29. The delay in participating in these tournaments has left McDavid feeling disappointed, as he believes that he and other top players are missing out on crucial international experiences.
The Desire to Play with Sidney Crosby
One of McDavid’s biggest regrets is not having had the chance to play alongside Sidney Crosby, whom he first met as a 15-year-old. Crosby, during an interview on the “32 Thoughts” podcast, expressed his willingness to move to the wing to accommodate playing with McDavid in international competitions. McDavid holds Crosby in high regard, acknowledging his remarkable achievements and longevity in the sport. The prospect of sharing the ice with Crosby is an enticing one for McDavid, and he hopes that they will have the opportunity to represent Canada together.
Comparisons to Crosby and the Missing Piece
McDavid has often been compared to Crosby as the next Canadian superstar. While he has surpassed Crosby in individual accolades such as Hart and Art Ross trophies and Ted Lindsay awards, McDavid recognizes that winning the Stanley Cup is the missing piece on his resume. He acknowledges that all the great players in the sport have won championships and emphasizes the importance of team effort in hockey. McDavid understands that winning a championship requires a collective effort from the entire organization, good health, and a bit of luck.
Conclusion
Connor McDavid’s unwavering desire to participate in best-on-best international tournaments reflects his passion for the game and his eagerness to compete against the world’s top players. He believes that these tournaments provide a platform for creating iconic moments and showcasing the best of hockey. McDavid also longs for the opportunity to play alongside Sidney Crosby, recognizing him as one of the greatest players of all time. As McDavid continues to dominate the NHL, he hopes that the right people will listen to his and other top players’ voices, ensuring the return of best-on-best tournaments and fulfilling his dream of representing Team Canada on the international stage.