Oilers star Connor McDavid wins $1 million via All-Star skills competition he helped design
To the surprise of few, Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid shined in front of his hometown of Toronto, becoming the first winner of the revamped NHL All-Star skills competition and the $1 million prize that comes with it.
The skills competition featured a fresh look based in part from input by McDavid himself. However, after winning, he chuckled at the thought that helping design the events gave him an advantage.
"I think everyone wanted to go back to the basics and show off the skills we use on a nightly basis," McDavid told David Amber of Sportsnet. "Thought you saw some good speed, some good passing, some good shooting. I thought it was fun."
The competition featured 12 skaters battling in four events before being whittled to eight and then six for the final obstacle course challenge. McDavid dominated, winning three separate events, including the fastest skater (13.4 seconds), stickhandling challenge (25.7 seconds) and shooting accuracy competition (9.1 seconds).
A year ago, during a trip to Edmonton, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman picked McDavid's brain about improving the skills competition, which had grown dull over the years. The Oilers star was eager to help, suggesting a more fundamental approach to events he agreed had become "gimmicky" over time.
The discussion ultimately led to full-scale change and a return to basic hockey events.
"I'm excited that it's going to be normal skills that we would use on the ice," McDavid told The Athletic. "I think that's ultimately what we want -- to come here and show off our skills and put on a good show for the fans."
It's only year one, but the new-look skills competition seems to be a rousing success. It doesn't hurt having the face of the league in McDavid win it, but it's obvious the cut-down, simplified set-up, along with financial stakes, can generate a lot of exciting competition between the game's best players.
More must-reads: