‘Ottawa’ Connor McDavid Gets the nod to Captain Team North America
Connor McDavid is not the oldest or most experienced player on Team North America. But the 19-year-old is arguably the most talented.
It was likely for that second reason why the Edmonton Oilers centre was named captain prior to Thursday’s exhibition game against Team Europe. Defenceman Aaron Ekblad and forward Sean Couturier were named alternate captains.
“On a team full of future NHL captains, we have a strong leadership group on Team North America,” head coach Todd McLellan said in a statement. “In particular, these three players — Connor, Sean and Aaron — have identified themselves in camp as key leaders for our team. They will be assisted by their teammates to ensure the full group is working together towards our goal of having success in the World Cup of Hockey.”
McDavid, who as a rookie last season scored 48 points in 45 games and finished third in Calder Trophy voting, was a bit of a no-brainer.