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Connor McDavid named Edmonton Oilers captain

By David Rouben

Mar 22, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) looks on during the third period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) looks on during the third period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Connor McDavid was given the prestigious title of Edmonton Oilers captain in just his second ever NHL season. As if the pressure on him isn’t high enough.

Ever since he was a teenager, Connor McDavid has had to carry a heavy burden. He was named to his first World Juniors team at 16, joined the OHL early after being granted “Exceptional Player” status, and was compared to Sidney Crosby in his draft year. But give credit to McDavid, because all he’s ever done is live up to it.

Fresh off of his rookie season, Connor McDavid has now been named the Edmonton Oilers’ captain for the upcoming season. He becomes the 15th captain in Oilers’ history. Joining him as his alternate captains are Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Milan Lucic:

If Taylor Hall were still on the team, he would undoubtedly be the third alternate captain. But naming the person they replaced him with works just fine, too.

McDavid’s rookie season didn’t go as well as expected since he was forced to spend miss 37 games. But when he did play, he was exceptional to watch. He finished with 16 goals and 48 points in 45 games, averaging over a point per game. His most noteworthy moments from his rookie season include his first goal back from injury, and a five-point performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

While McDavid is used to being the captain now, having worn the C for the Erie Otters and Team North America, this is a completely different venture. As the Oilers note, McDavid is the youngest captain in franchise history, and everyone is looking towards him to guide them out of the NHL’s basement.

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Forget Sidney Crosby – being named Oilers captain at this age means McDavid’s expected to follow in Wayne Gretzky’s path. But the fact that he finished third in Calder voting despite missing half of his rookie season means that we’re witnessing something great.

With this new title, McDavid will come into this season proving that, at 19 years old, he’s already the second best player in the world.

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