Lessons in Leadership with McDavid: What He Taught Us About Grit and Grace in The Oilers Quest for the Stanley Cup

There's nothing more joyous than watching the celebration at the end of the Stanley Cup, witnessing players revel in the achievement of a great success to which they have dedicated their lives. Growing up in Newmarket, ON, I felt like my road hockey team won the Stanley Cup more often than the Montreal Canadiens. Coaching briefly with the York Simcoe Express, I had the chance to see Connor McDavid on the ice as a young kid. I couldn't help but cheer for him and the Edmonton Oilers. As the series continued, I thought about how amazing it would be to see a Stanley Cup parade with Connor McDavid in my hometown.

As the game was coming to a close and it became clear that the Florida Panthers were about to win their first Stanley Cup, it was evident to everyone who watched the series that Connor McDavid was the Most Valuable Player and deserved the Conn Smythe, even playing for the losing team. He was rightfully awarded the trophy, with his parents eagerly looking on from the stands. I wondered how the NHL would handle the ceremony discreetly rather than calling him out on the ice.

Celebrating Connor McDavid: A True Leader On and Off the Ice

Reading stories the following day, I couldn't believe people were questioning his leadership for not coming on the ice to accept the trophy. Maybe it's just me and my road hockey buddies from Newmarket, but we never had a celebration on the street for someone winning the Conn Smythe; it was all about the Stanley Cup. Those suggesting he should have come out to accept the trophy likely have never played team sports and don't understand the immediate devastation that comes after losing Game 7 in the Stanley Cup final. I personally hate losing a Thursday night beer league game at 8:00 in November, and I can't imagine what that magnitude of loss feels like. The key message here is that competitors hate losing, and teammates stick together.

Understanding that the majority agree with how McDavid handled the situation, I think he also gave young players some amazing lessons in leadership and how to be the best captain for their team. Not only during this most recent playoff run did he exemplify these traits, but it has been with him all along. As a hockey fan, it was great to see it showcased on the greatest hockey stage during the Stanley Cup final. During this run, Connor had exceptional performances on the ice, remained calm under pressure, and consistently displayed a team-first mentality.

Calm Under Pressure

McDavid demonstrates composure and poise in high-pressure situations. His ability to stay focused and make crucial plays during intense moments provides stability and confidence to his team. This was especially evident in postgame interviews where he never lost his composure or focus. He quickly reset after both wins and losses, always looking ahead to the next game. Reflecting on the Oilers' dreadful start, you can see in his interviews that he never gave up. He remained calm and focused, speaking about what he could control and how his team would come together. Even if the camera didn’t catch it, I never saw him argue with teammates on the bench when things went wrong or resort to throwing his gloves on the ground.

Exceptional Performance

Connor McDavid consistently delivers outstanding performances on the ice, setting an example for his teammates. His dedication to excellence and work ethic inspire those around him to elevate their own game.

During the 2024 Playoffs, McDavid recorded a total of 42 points, consisting of eight goals and 34 assists, placing him fourth in NHL history for points in a single postseason. Notably, McDavid broke Wayne Gretzky's record for assists in a single playoff run, which previously stood at 31, by contributing 34 assists. In the Stanley Cup Final alone, McDavid scored 11 points (three goals and eight assists), tying him for seventh in NHL history for points in a Cup Final. He also had back-to-back four-point games in Games 4 and 5 of the Final, a feat that no other player, not even Gretzky, had accomplished in the Cup Final.

McDavid’s role on the team is to produce, and he did that exceptionally. However, it's important to recognize that not all players have the same role, yet they can still be deemed to have exceptional performances. For example, Connor Brown only scored two goals with a total of six points, but when he was on the ice, he was one of the most effective players—crashing the boards, gaining first possession, and generally wearing down the opposition. His job was to be effective during his shift, and he excelled in that role.

Team-First Mentality

(photo courtesy of Getty Images - Dave Sandford)

McDavid is known for his selfless attitude, prioritizing the team's success over individual accolades. He encourages collaboration and supports his teammates, fostering a positive and unified team environment.

I can't even imagine the gut-wrenching feeling of falling one goal short of your dream and then having to watch the opposition celebrate on their home ice. Connor McDavid stood there longer than anyone, accepting his leadership role. He stood by the bench with the celebration in view, focusing on his teammates passing by the doorway, acknowledging them with a stick tap or a hug. His priority was his teammates.

Here are some telling quotes that reflect his team-first mentality:

• On Stuart Skinner's performance in the playoffs: "Stuart was phenomenal tonight. He made some key saves that kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win. His composure in net is something that gives the whole team confidence" (West Hawaii Today).

• Praising Leon Draisaitl: "Leon is such a critical part of our team. His ability to create plays and score goals makes everyone around him better. We’re fortunate to have him on our side" (NHL).

• Acknowledging Evan Bouchard: "Evan has stepped up in a big way for us this season. His growth as a player and his contributions on both ends of the ice have been incredible" (West Hawaii Today).

• Regarding team effort: "It's not about individual achievements, it’s about the team. Everyone has a role to play, and it’s the collective effort that makes us successful" (NHL).

• On the team’s potential: "We have all the tools to be great. It’s about coming together as a unit, supporting each other, and playing for one another every night" (NHL).

These quotes emphasize McDavid's leadership and his commitment to recognizing and uplifting his teammates.

And my final point to emphasize this team-first mentality: Do you really think a hockey player with that much character, that much love for his team, and that much passion for the game would leave the teammates he cares about most to go accept an individual accolade?

Last minute of play...

McDavid is a hockey phenom, and it's great to see him taking creativity in the game and work ethic to the next level. While many young players are trying to emulate his moves on the ice, I encourage them to also reflect on his leadership style and the teammate he is.

There will undoubtedly be a point where Connor McDavid sits down in his home in Edmonton and Newmarket, with the Conn Smythe on the kitchen table in front of him, reflecting on the incredible names and past performances associated with the trophy. However, I don't expect he'll reminisce for long; this will only stoke the fire for next season and beyond to get his name on the Stanley Cup. Can you imagine this guy playing with even more motivation and hunger? It's going to be special!