Toronto loves Connor McDavid.
And despite the fact that he continues to say all the right things in Edmonton, there’s no question that the 27-year-old loves Toronto back.
There are only 875 days until July 1, 2026 (who’s counting?), the day the Richmond Hill/Newmarket native could potentially do the unthinkable and test unrestricted free agency.
Even though, yes, McDavid to Toronto – at the most – should be considered a pipe dream, the phenom got a pretty nice look at what life could be like calling Scotiabank Arena home this past weekend.
“I was just a kid, I don’t remember how old, but came down with my dad and just remember being so excited, couldn’t believe I was going to an NHL game. Coming into this building and seeing the Leafs, and they were playing the Rangers that night, and I actually predicted the score. That was a 4-1 win for the Leafs. That was a memorable night for me.”
The All-Star crowd loved him. On top of that, when prompted numerous times about what it was like taking part in the festivities on home turf, he wasn’t shy about disclosing how special it was.
“It means a lot, it means a lot,” the Oilers captain said. “Toronto fans have always shown a lot of love to me when I’ve been in town. It means a lot. Being a local guy growing up watching the Leafs in this building, the building means a lot to me that way. The building means a lot, the fans have always treated me well and it means a lot to hear them cheer.”
IT MEANS A LOT.
While this may be another classic case of turning nothing into something, facts are facts. Any way you slice it, the next two and a half years – 16 months until the two sides can officially talk extension – will be massive in Edmonton’s quest to lock down one of the greatest players (already) to ever play.
Without question, the entire hockey world knows – not just the Oilers – what team could be lingering in the background of all of this. There’s just something special about playing in Toronto, especially if you grew up a fan of the team.
Just ask John Tavares.
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