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David Pastrnak shows support for Connor McDavid's recent complaint to the NHL

Originally posted on Oilers Daily | By Liam McCormick | Last updated Feb 19, 2025 8:43 PM ET

Boston Bruins superstar David Pastrnak is signalling some support for Connor McDavid's recent comments criticizing the players left out of the 4 Nations Faceoff.

The NHL replacing the all star game with the 4 Nations Faceoff has been a smash success for a return to international hockey, but it's still incomplete with so many missing hockey countries.

Bruins superstar David Pastrnak backs Connor McDavid's message to the NHL on 4 Nations Faceoff

Connor McDavid has been a strong supporter of the NHL's return to international hockey, but has been sure to recognize that this year's tournament is still imperfect - there's superstar players like Leon Draisaitl that were excluded from the event.

I'd like to see all countries represented. It's great that it's best on best, it's 4 Nations, it's been really exciting, but there's some great players sitting at home. If we want it to be the biggest stage in the world, then we need everybody involved.
- Connor McDavid

McDavid is clearly voicing some support for his German friend and teammate Leon Draisaitl, but also other superstars in the league that weren't able to play. David Pastrnak of Czechia was one player in particular who heard McDavid's message and strongly supported it.

The NHL rushed this tournament together and wanted to target countries that could ice a lineup of exclusively NHL players - which unfairly excluded some countries to make this a true best on best tournament.

As the best player in the NHL, McDavid's comments Carey a fair bit of influence in the league. Thankfully in the next World Cup of Hockey in 2028, eight countries will be represented at the tournament.

NHL superstars pay respect to Connor McDavid in new comments

Other than David Pastrnak praising Connor McDavid for his comments today, Canadian superstar Nathan MacKinnon also tossed some high praise for the Oilers captain.

There's been some hockey fans who argue MacKinnon is just as good as McDavid, but even for MacKinnon himself, he knows it isn't close. McDavid is unanimously the best player in the league, by far. Not only that, MacKinnon said Canada should give McDavid full reign to break a game open.

The Oilers captain gaining praise for on and off the ice conduct in one day, from some of the NHL's biggest superstars, is just a sign of how respected he is around the league.

This article first appeared on Oilers Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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