2015 NHL Entry Draft Profile: Connor McDavid
In an NHL draft class stacked with talent, Connor McDavid stands as the leader of the pack going into the 2015 NHL Entry Draft
The undisputed first overall pick, Connor McDavid, has been dazzling fans and scouts for the past few years and will indefinitely make the jump to the NHL next season. With the Edmonton Oilers winning another first overall pick through the NHL Draft Lottery, it would seem the Oilers have no intention of trading the pick and will draft the Richmond Hill native.
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What makes McDavid such a special player is his all-around ability, both physically and mentality. He always looks a step ahead of his competition and his skating ability is nothing short of spectacular. In his final season of junior hockey with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League, McDavid scored a whopping 44 goals and 76 assists in just 47 games. He was also a major part of team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship where they came away with the gold medal.
More often than not, McDavid has been put in the same category as Sidney Crosby, given his level of skill at the ripe age of 18. Upon entering the OHL, McDavid was so talented that he was granted exceptional player status to join the league one year early. The only other players to receive this status were John Tavares and Aaron Ekblad.
Considering his teammates’ success, McDavid has the rare quality of not only producing on his own, but making the players around him better. Similar to Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis for Crosby, the right combination of linemates could make McDavid’s job a lot easier, while spreading the wealth amongst his wingers. In a league where centers are so important for overall success, McDavid brings a solid two-way game that is simply overshadowed by his impeccable offensive abilities.
Judging by his accomplishments, McDavid has had one of the most memorable junior careers of all-time. He scored at almost a goal-per-game pace in his final season and proved to be a step above the rest all year long. His Draft Profile on NHL.com provides a summary of his career thus far. Director of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr said, “He’s a craftsman with the puck. His hockey sense, with his vision, his anticipation, his sense of timing and the ability to do those things at a top-end speed, you’re looking at the best skilled player in the draft.”
Due to the level of hype and potential surrounding McDavid, it will be interesting to see how well he does in comparison to Crosby. In his rookie season, Crosby played 81 games and scored 102 points, a feat that can only be repeated by an elite-level talent, given it is the NHL record for most points by a rookie. While McDavid has been given similar status, the comparison to Crosby will surely remain the baseline for judging his success. With that said, unless the Oilers choose to trade the pick, expect McDavid to be taken with the first overall selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.