What more can be said about Erie phenom Connor McDavid? Well... lots actually. We were fortunate to catch McDavid and the Otters play in the game just prior to the 'injury'. McDavid would subsequently break a bone in his hand during a fight (Nov. 11th) - with a six-week recovery time which places his return near Boxing Day and the start of the 2015 U20 World Juniors. Team Canada's quest for gold on home soil obviously rests on having a healthy Connor McDavid. The Newmarket, Ontario native has been virtually unstoppable in the OHL this season and was, prior to the injury, primed to take over the world stage as he did during a phenomenal performance at the 2014 Under-18 Worlds.
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Connor McDavid (2015), C, Erie (OHL)
Currently leading the OHL in scoring through the first two months of the season (Nov.8), averaging close to three points per game (17-15-34-49) .. thicker and stronger - he has added an inch in height plus 10 pounds to his frame - and looks sturdier and more filled out on the ice this season .. a powerful and deadly-fast skater whose top speed is achieved in less than two strides .. can gain the offensive zone with ease, particularly if he is able to get a head of steam just before the neutral zone .. attacks all areas of the ice with his speed .. resembles that of a throwback-type player in some ways namely in the sense that he drives wide and cuts to the middle .. always pushing the envelope inside the offensive zone .. a stealth-like passer who habitually finds the open man - a reflection of his hockey sense which is 'off the charts' .. anticipates the developing play perfectly and slides passes into open ice just before a teammate arrives on the scene .. demonstrates brilliant execution with respect to maneuvering past the opposition - can slide pucks around players, and/or through their legs in one swooping motion making it almost impossible (at this level) to defend him .. he has learned to utilize his shot more this season, however could still stand to be more selfish when shooting options present themselves .. does operate with a pass-first mentality - which fuels his innate feel for being able to draw the opposition out of position .. displays an intuitive sense for casually trailing plays and then suddenly exploding on loose pucks when they are within his vicinity - and thereby catching the first forechecker off guard - a further illustration of how he draws guys out of position .. speed and awareness fuels his game .. a smart player who studies and understands other players' tendencies - and is always varying up his patterns on the ice to make him that much more unpredictable - and again adding to his difficulty to defend .. he thinks and gets into better positions before the opposition can even react .. relentless on the puck when below the dots and capable of creating chances out of sheer will and determination .. strong on the puck and his stick .. can operate in traffic and is more than capable along the boards .. also makes those around him that much better - as Nick Betz (13-9-13-22) has really picked up his game while rookie Alex DeBrincat leads the OHL goal-scoring race with 19 .. all indications would suggest that McDavid will be plying his trade in the NHL this time next season - and en route to a Calder Trophy.