Latest news with #McDavid
USA Today
17 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl cause stir by playing in beer league hockey game
Connor McDavid was back on the ice playing competitive hockey in recent days, but he wasn't at an NHL rink. The Edmonton Oilers superstar caused a stir in his hometown of Newmarket, Ontario in Canada when he and teammate Leon Draisaitl showed up as perhaps the most accomplished ringers to play in a beer league hockey game with non-professionals. Even more stunning: They then lost the game. Both players were wearing Oilers practice jerseys, according to videos on social media in the aftermath of their appearance, but TSN reported neither McDavid nor Draisaitl scored a goal in a 6-2 loss. Footage that surfaced included a semi-breakaway featuring McDavid getting stonewalled by a goalie. The experience was nonetheless a thrill for all those who happened to be there as the two players who led the NHL in points during this year's Stanley Cup playoffs took the ice for a summer league game. "Honestly, it's incredible to see them coming down the ice. It's nothing like you've ever seen," one of the refs in the game told BarDown, a hockey and sports culture website owned by TSN. The Oilers are coming off a second consecutive Stanley Cup Finals loss to the Florida Panthers, but they are awaiting word from McDavid about a new contract. The 28-year-old center and former No. 1 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft is entering the final season of an 8-year, $100-million deal and is eligible to sign a new extension this offseason.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Wayne Gretzky boldly declared 18-year-old Connor McDavid the perfect star for a new NHL generation
Wayne Gretzky lauded rookie Connor McDavid as the ideal player for the modern NHL (Getty Images) In 2016, Wayne Gretzky acclaimed then 18-year-old rookie Connor McDavid as the ideal player for the modern NHL , foreseeing his unique route to greatness. Gretzky underscored McDavid's exceptional on-ice vision, puck retrieval skills, explosive acceleration, and passion for the game, comparing him to hockey legends. He predicted McDavid would achieve 800 career goals and lead the Oilers to championships. Before the records and awards, Wayne Gretzky saw a legend in Connor McDavid Back in February 2016, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky offered profound insights into an arising phenom, 18-year-old Connor McDavid, during his rookie season. Gretzky, in an interview, utterly declared McDavid the "perfect guy" for the contemporary National Hockey League, a witness to his exceptional talent and promising future. When pressed to draw parallels between McDavid and other players, Gretzky featured individuality. He phrased, "It's tough to compare players. I always say guys sort of make their own footprints on the ice, their own path. Connor, without question, is going to make his own path. He's the perfect guy for this era." Gretzky's admiration extended to McDavid's on-ice attributes, phrasing, "He sees the ice extremely well. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo He has a nose for getting pucks back when he loses them. He has an explosive acceleration to get to another gear that other guys don't have. And most importantly, you can tell he loves to play and he loves to win." Wayne Gretzky compared teen Connor McDavid to legends and predicted a historic NHL future Drawing parallels to an elite group, Gretzky remarked, "We don't get players of that caliber come along so often. Crosby came along. Ovechkin came along. You've got guys like Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier, and Connor is kind of in that realm of that conversation." He even alluded that McDavid possessed the passing prowess of Lemieux and the scoring touch of Brett Hull, boldly foretelling, "He'll be on his way to the 800-goal mark. There's no question in my mind." Gretzky replicated his high praise in October 2016 when McDavid, at just 19, was named captain of the Edmonton Oilers. He proclaimed, "I don't think there's any question that Connor's the best 19-year-old hockey player I've ever seen and I saw (Mark) Messier, I saw Lemieux, I saw Lafleur. This kid is special." Gretzky concluded with a lighthearted comment that he could score 60 goals playing alongside McDavid, confidently noting, "He will win some championships. ' Even with McDavid's incredible personal achievements and top-tier play, the Stanley Cup is still the one championship he and the Oilers are fiercely chasing. Also Read: Wayne Gretzky gets brutally honest about Gordie Howe's influence and how he survived fame FAQs Q: What did Wayne Gretzky say about Connor McDavid in 2016? Wayne Gretzky called 18-year-old Connor McDavid the 'perfect guy' for today's NHL and predicted his greatness. Q: Who did Wayne Gretzky compare Connor McDavid to? Wayne Gretzky compared Connor McDavid to legends like Sidney Crosby, Mario Lemieux, and Mark Messier. Q: Did Wayne Gretzky think Connor McDavid could reach 800 career goals? Yes, Wayne Gretzky believed Connor McDavid had the tools to score 800 goals and dominate the league. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
New York Post
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Oilers superstars Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl join beer league game in viral moment
A beer league team in Ontario just earned themselves a lifetime's worth of bragging rights. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl turned up in Oilers jerseys at a pickup game at Magna Centre in Newmarket, Ontario, last Wednesday night in a dream-come-true moment for local fans and players. Making the moment even sweeter for the locals: neither of the NHL superstars scored a goal, and their teammates walked away with a dominant 6-2 win. 3 Oilers star Connor McDavid before Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 17. NHLI via Getty Images Neither McDavid nor Draisaitl were skating at full speed, but a local goalie did manage to pull off a few dazzling saves on No. 97. The crowd that jammed into the stands at the rink ooh'd and aah'd each time McDavid or Draisaitl touched the puck, and clips of the game instantly blew up on social media, with dozens of fans impressed with the goalie who repeatedly stonewalled McDavid. 'Imagine being that goalie. Legend forever,' one user wrote on X, with another adding: 'Edmonton should sign that goalie, he looks better than [Oilers starter Stuart] Skinner.' 'How do we buy the goalie a beer?' asked a third. 3 Connor McDavid handles the puck during a beer league game in Ontario on July 16. @BarDown/X The game took place at a rink just a quick drive from McDavid's hometown of Richmond Hill, Ontario. 'That's a league I played in with my buddies for over ten years now. We joined that league back when I played junior hockey. I was a little bit surprised to see it get blown up,' McDavid told ESPN. 'I've been playing in those games for over a decade now. So it's pretty funny that it just kind of came up.' Coming off a second consecutive loss to the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final, McDavid, Draisaitl and the Oilers are preparing to make another run at the Cup next season. 3 Oilers star Leon Draisaitl during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 17. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images First, though, McDavid's contract status with Edmonton hangs in the balance, as he's eligible for an extension this summer before potentially becoming an unrestricted free agent after next season.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
NHL Trade Rumor: Could Connor McDavid ditch Oilers for Leafs? Buzz grows around blockbuster Maple Leafs partnership
Insider leaks possible Connor McDavid exit from Oilers; Maple Leafs emerge as front-runner (Imagn Images) The NHL world is buzzing with speculation as Connor McDavid edges closer to the final stretch of his contract with the Edmonton Oilers. With no current negotiations in place for an extension, as confirmed by NHL insider Chris Johnston, questions are being raised about McDavid's future, especially with the Toronto Maple Leafs circling as a potential landing spot. Could the most electrifying player in hockey reunite with his hometown roots? Connor McDavid's uncertain future triggers wild speculation Connor McDavid isn't a free agent yet. But the clock is ticking. His current deal with the Oilers runs through the end of the 2025–26 season, and in NHL terms, that's not far off. By this point, most superstars would have already begun discussions on what could be a career-defining contract. But not McDavid. 'There have been no discussions yet about an extension,' reported Johnston, a statement that has ignited serious chatter across the league. This silence from both camps has left fans in Edmonton nervous. After all, McDavid's next contract is expected to be the most significant in NHL history—both in financial scope and franchise implications. If the Oilers fail to deliver a strong campaign next season, it could push the generational talent to explore new horizons. And there's one destination that keeps surfacing: Toronto. Could the Maple Leafs pull off the ultimate power move? Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is in the middle of a massive roster shakeup. With Mitch Marner shipped off to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Leafs have created both cap flexibility and a sense of urgency to bring in a true game-changer. McDavid, a Toronto native, could be that missing piece. Treliving has already begun reinvesting wisely—signing Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy, and Michael Pezzetta with funds freed from Marner's exit. The groundwork is being laid, and the timing aligns eerily well. Add the emotional weight of McDavid having grown up in the Greater Toronto Area, and suddenly the speculation feels more like a potential script. If Edmonton stumbles again, don't be surprised if the Leafs make a seismic play for the NHL's brightest star. FAQs Is Connor McDavid a free agent now? No, McDavid is under contract with the Oilers until the end of the 2025–26 NHL season. Has McDavid started contract extension talks with the Oilers? No, according to Chris Johnston, there have been no discussions about an extension yet. Why are the Maple Leafs linked to Connor McDavid? With Toronto's roster changes and McDavid's Toronto roots, many believe the Leafs could make a serious push if he becomes available. Also Read: NHL Trade Drama: Was Bowen Byram's contract extension just a strategic move for a future trade? Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Connor McDavid's cryptic comments spark panic as Oilers fans fear star could walk in free agency
As Connor McDavid's contract nears its end, uncertainty looms over his future with the Edmonton Oilers (Getty Images) As Connor McDavid's contract nears its end, his future with the Edmonton Oilers is uncertain. Despite concerns about his indecision after consecutive Stanley Cup losses, a veteran reporter implies McDavid's past comments indicate his commitment to staying, easing fan worries while the team respects his need for time to consider his next steps. Edmonton on edge as Connor McDavid won't guarantee return The air around Connor McDavid's continued presence with the Edmonton Oilers is thick with anticipation as his current contract approaches its conclusion. While some gnaw over the superstar's hesitation following two consecutive Stanley Cup final defeats, a familiar voice from the Edmonton sports scene is stepping forward to calm the waters. The Oilers' CEO of Hockey Operations, Jeff Jackson, has emphatically phrased, 'He's everything to this organization.' Yet, McDavid's personal reflection, articulated as, 'Ultimately, I still need to do what's best for me and my family,' has undeniably fueled a degree of apprehension among the fan base. However, Gene Principe, the seasoned Sportsnet reporter in Edmonton, offers a reassuring perspective. Recalling a past message from McDavid to the supporters, Principe conveyed the essence of it: 'Stick with us because for all of us, it's going to pay off.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo He embellished on McDavid's implied message, affirming, 'To me, that was, 'I'm saying to you and to everybody, stick with it. We got this. We're going to get this.'' This sentiment, coupled with McDavid's recent acknowledgment of 'unfinished business' with the Panthers as an Oiler, has led the organization to adopt a patient approach. Connor McDavid's loyalty questioned after hinting at possible Oilers departure The Oilers understand that the immediate aftermath of a deeply disappointing loss is not the time for critical contractual discussions. McDavid himself indicated his need for space, commenting, 'I'm going to take some time to regroup.' General Manager Stan Bowman confirmed this respectful stance, phrasing, 'We really haven't talked to him at all about his contract. It's really just been talking about our team, and you know how we can improve.' Bowman further emphasised, 'I think Connor's earned the right to choose when he wants to get into the details of it,' reinforcing the team's trust that McDavid will ultimately choose to remain with the Oilers. Also Read: Connor McDavid free agency sparks NHL frenzy as Oilers insider reveals he's likely staying in Edmonton Ultimately, the trust and patience shown by the Oilers, coupled with McDavid's implied commitment and "unfinished business" mentality, paint a hopeful vision for fans eagerly awaiting his long-term dedication to bringing a Stanley Cup to Edmonton. FAQS 1. What is Connor McDavid's net worth in 2025? Connor McDavid's net worth is $30 million in 2025, according to Celebrity Net Worth. 2. Who is Connor McDavid married to? Connor McDavid is married to Lauren Kyle. 3. Will Connor McDavid leave the Edmonton Oilers? As Connor McDavid's contract nears its end, his future with the Edmonton Oilers is uncertain. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
