5 Things You Need to Know About Connor McDavid

By Bradley Phillipps

5 Things You Need to Know About Connor McDavid

Connor McDavid Edmonton Oilers Fun Facts — Connor McDavid might be the best prospect to enter the NHL since Sidney Crosby ten years ago. Fans are giving him the nickname McJesus because he has the ability to save a franchise like the Edmonton Oilers from years of misery. So here are some things to consider when watching McDavid play in the NHL next year.

5. He Is the Third of Four Players to Receive OHL Exceptional Status

Aaron Ekblad Florida Panthers Calder Trophy 2015 NHL Awards

5. He Is the Third of Four Players to Receive OHL Exceptional Status

Aaron Ekblad Florida Panthers Calder Trophy 2015 NHL Awards — Along with John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad and Sean Day after him, McDavid received exceptional status to enter the OHL at 15 years old. Most players entering the OHL do so at 16 years old to be permitted to play a year early, you have to be a special player. Seeing as how the first three players on the list were first overall picks in the NHL Draft, this status is reserved for the elite.

4. Kelly McDavid preferred Connor to ski instead of playing hockey

McDavid Family Skiing

4. Kelly McDavid preferred Connor to ski instead of playing hockey

McDavid Family Skiing — While Connor's father Brian coached him throughout his minor hockey career, his mother had more interest in skiing. If McDavid also took an interest in skiing we wouldn't see a generational talent enter the NHL today. That being said if Kelly wasn't as supportive as she was, Connor wouldn't be as successful as he is now.

3. McDavid considered playing in the NCAA for Boston University

2015 NHL Entry Draft Connor McDavid Jack Eichel Generational Talents

3. McDavid considered playing in the NCAA for Boston University

2015 NHL Entry Draft Connor McDavid Jack Eichel Generational Talents — Before entering the OHL, Connor McDavid considered attending Boston University to hone his craft before entering the NHL. I don't think he knew that Eichel would have been playing there as well but McDavid decided that the OHL was best. I'm not saying that he should have played for Boston, but a non-NHL team with both Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel would be near unbeatable.

2. He led the OHL in scoring as a 16-year-old

Connor McDavid Lawson Crouse 2015 NHL Entry Draft

2. He led the OHL in scoring as a 16-year-old

Connor McDavid Lawson Crouse 2015 NHL Entry Draft — As for the scoring race in 2013-14, McDavid placed fourth. However, he led the OHL in age-adjusted points per game at the age where most players would play their rookie seasons. The race wasn't close as McDavid measured at 1.86 points per game while the next highest number belonged to Sam Bennett of the Calgary Flames at 1.54. Even at a younger age, Connor McDavid has shown that he can dominate against any competition.

1. Connor McDavid likely won't be as good as Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby 2015 IIHF World Championships Connor McDavid comparisons

1. Connor McDavid likely won't be as good as Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby 2015 IIHF World Championships Connor McDavid comparisons — Since McDavid is deemed a generational talent, the comparisons to Crosby are inevitable. However, there are reasons to believe that McDavid won't be as good. Crosby scored at a higher points-per-game rate in a slower-paced league in the QMJHL. Also, Crosby achieved this at a younger age than McDavid as he didn't turn 18 until after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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