Defining moment
Captaincy pivotal in McDavid’s MVP-worthy season, says Oilers coach
The defining moment of Connor McDavid’s standout season happened off the ice, according to his coach.
Todd McLellan says the introduction of McDavid as team captain Oct. 5 sent a message to the young centre about the confidence the Oilers had in him, but also their expectations of him.
The 20-year-old responded by posting 100 points to win this year’s Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s scoring leader and earn a nomination for the Hart Trophy that goes to the league’s most valuable player.
“It happened the day that he was told he was going to lead this group,” McLellan said Tuesday. “(We) sewed a ‘C’ onto his jersey.
“I think that elevated his, not sense of value, but just his priority list in the locker room for lack of a better explanation.
“He realized he was going to have to be on the forefront and produce on a nightly basis, not only offensively, but defensively, practice habits, carrying the spirit of the team, answering for the group and he’s done a real good job.”
If McDavid wins the Hart on June 21, he would be just the third player under the age of 21 to do so after Sidney Crosby (2007) and former Oiler Wayne Gretzky (1980).
“It’s special and it’s something I’m very proud of, but it’s a credit to be able to play with this group of guys and play with the players we have in this room,” McDavid said. “Definitely makes playing hockey a lot of fun.”
Crosby, a two-time winner, joins Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and McDavid as this year’s nominees.
“He’s a guy I grew up watching obviously and to be up for this award with him, pretty cool,” McDavid said of Crosby.
McDavid compiled 30 goals and 70 assists playing all 82 games this season, and led the Oilers to their first playoff appearance since 2006.
Crosby, now 29, totalled 44 goals and 45 assists in 75 games.
Bobrovsky, 26, posted a 4117-5 record, a goals-against average of 2.06 and a save percentage of .931 for the Blue Jackets.
McDavid and the Oilers lead their best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal against the Anaheim Ducks two games to one into tonight’s Game 4 at Rogers Place.
Despite his poise and performance, his sophomore season wasn’t always smooth sailing.
“It was my first full regular season and there’s a lot of ups and downs,” McDavid said. “There’s a lot of times when you’re not playing your best hockey and you’ve got to get back to it.
“Earlier in the year, I think I had a 10-game goal drought or something like that. Everyone was harping on me then.”
He’s had Gretzky close by this season to help him deal with the stresses that come with hockey success and responsibility at a young age. Gretzky was named vice-chair of the Oilers Entertainment Group shortly after McDavid was introduced as team captain.
“Now especially, more than ever, I’ve had to rely on him and talk to him about certain things,” McDavid said. “Just going through this whole thing for the first time.”