Echoes of Mitch Marner: Connor McDavid's Latest Comments Raising Eyebrows Around NHL
Connor McDavid's future in Edmonton is suddenly less certain, and the Leafs could finally be in play for the hometown superstar fans have dreamed of.
The 2015 NHL Draft Lottery was one of the most anticipated in recent memory. The Maple Leafs had bottomed out that year and carried strong odds for the top pick. Waiting at the top of the board was a local phenom from Richmond Hill, Ontario.
Connor McDavid. He had just put up an astonishing 44 goals and 120 points in 47 games with the Erie Otters. For Leafs Nation, the dream of drafting McDavid felt almost too good to be true. And it was.
On lottery night, the Leafs slipped to fourth overall, settling on Mitch Marner out of London. McDavid, of course, went to Edmonton, giving the Oilers their fourth first-overall selection in just six years. The look on McDavid's face that night made it clear the feeling was mutual, he wasn't thrilled he wouldn't be pulling on a Maple Leafs sweater.
Fast forward nearly a decade. McDavid is in the final season of his eight-year deal with the Oilers. For most of that contract, it was assumed he'd be a lifetime Oiler. But the closer he gets to free agency, the more his tone has shifted. McDavid has spoken about "needing time" and not being in a rush to decide, sparking speculation across the league that he could test the market.
It's a long shot, but not impossible, that Toronto could finally get their homegrown superstar. McDavid wants to win above all else, and that complicates things. The Florida Panthers are the league's standard, but the Maple Leafs were the only team to take them to seven games last spring. That kind of progress doesn't go unnoticed by players who are desperate to lift the Cup.
The odds of McDavid ever wearing blue and white remain slim. Still, as his contract winds down, every word he says will be dissected and debated. Leafs fans can't help but wonder, could this be their second chance at the one that got away?
Mike Sullivan Confident Adam Fox Will Propel Himself Into Norris-Trophy Discussion
New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan has high hopes for Adam Fox this upcoming season.
Despite having a Norris Trophy on his resume while also being one of the most productive defensemen in the NHL over the past few years, the perception around Fox has been surprisingly negative as of late.
This comes after his statistics took a dip during the 2024-25 season and he did not perform up to expectations when playing for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Sullivan believes that Fox can reinvigorate his game and has the utmost confidence in the veteran defenseman.
“I think ‘Foxy’ knows he’s capable of a better game. And him and I have had discussions about it, and I think he’s inspired with the opportunity to bring a better version of himself,” Sullivan said via The Athletic. “And I told him when I became his coach that I was going to do everything in my power to help him become the best version of himself.”
Not only does Sullivan believe Fox will be productive, but he’s optimistic Fox could put himself right back in the Norris-Trophy discussion.
“We think, we believe, that Foxy’s capable of a next-level game. A Norris Trophy-caliber game,” Sullivan said. “You don’t win the Norris Trophy if you’re not capable of that, and we believe he still is.”
The 27-year-old defenseman also has a chance to make Team USA's team for the 2026 Winter Olympics, coached by Sullivan.
