The Hockey News writers voted Connor McDavid most likely to win the Art Ross, Hart, and Maurice Richard Trophies. EDMONTON -- Connor McDavid is not your typical hockey player. He was labelled a generational talent before he donned a jersey for the Edmonton Oilers. As a 15-year-old he was granted "exceptional status" to play in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), instead of the standard requirements of being a 16-year-old. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POYtZi7zIDA[/embed] Most people who watched McDavid in his rookie season developed big biceps - from picking their jaws up off of the floor every single game he played. One of those plays that solidified his status as an exceptional player came when he scored a highlight reel goal in his first game back from injury. A significant injury that caused him to miss four months of games (and a Calder Trophy). Connor McDavid. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1MjQ3NzA3NjI1ODI1NTIy/usatsi_22851686_168401874_lowres.jpg] Connor McDavid. Luke Gazdic has made a splendid transition into broadcasting and podcasting. Last night he joined the Hockey Night in Canada panel, and told one of the most memorable stories about McDavid. Taylor Hall, McDavid and Gazdic were all roommates during McDavid's rookie season. One night, while watching hockey highlights Gazdic asked McDavid to walk him through that goal. Gazdic said, "it led to one of the most memorable conversations I've ever had." You should watch the above tweet to get the whole picture - the level of hockey IQ and awareness that McDavid had as an 18-year-old is astonishing. Right before showing the audience watching how McDavid beat the goalie, Gazdic said to McDavid, "what about the goaltender?" Then McDavid gave him a simple answer, "that's just my triple deke." "Three stickhandles, I get the goalie to bite and then I go back to my forehand and it's goodnight." At that point in Gazdic's career, he hadn't heard anyone talk about hockey in this way - I imagine he hasn't heard anyone talk about it that way since. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9ru_R7Qjjo[/embed] Subscribe to Inside the Locker Room [https://insidethelockerroom.substack.com/] for exclusive interviews, as well as sights and sounds from Oilers practices. Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/] team site to never miss news, interviews or any other updates on the Oilers. Related: Leon Draisaitl Has Words For Evander Kane [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/game-day/leon-draisaitl-has-words-for-evander-kane] Related: 'I Don't Need to Bring Up His Name': Connor McDavid Believes His Teammate Has Earned a Spot on Team Canada [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/i-dont-need-to-bring-up-his-name-connor-mcdavid-believes-his-teammate-has-earned-a-spot-on-team-canada] Related: William Nylander Makes Zach Hyman Prediction [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/william-nylander-makes-zach-hyman-prediction] Related: Surprising Oilers Forward Out With Injury [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/game-day/surprising-oilers-forward-out-with-injury] Related: What Went Wrong Against Maple Leafs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/what-went-wrong-against-maple-leafs] Related: 'Is He Worth That?': Leon Draisaitl's Upcoming Extension, What He Could Ask For and if the Oilers Can Afford to Pay Him [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/is-he-worth-that-leon-draisaitls-upcoming-extension-what-he-could-ask-for-and-if-the-oilers-can-afford-to-pay-him]
