The Edmonton Oilers have left no doubt as to whose team this is, as they have officially named Connor McDavid their captain for the 2016-17 season, and in the process made him the youngest captain in team history. He beat out the previous record holder, Colorado’s Gabriel Landeskog, by mere days.
The #Oilers have named @cmcdavid97 the 15th captain in franchise history. @27MilanLucic @ebs_14 & @RNH_93 will serve as alternates. pic.twitter.com/lARVfYozO3
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 5, 2016
People will no doubt talk about whether McDavid is ready to be able to handle the rigors of being captain at such a young age. Especially with the added pressure of being the captain of a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in 10 seasons and now has a little expectation attached to it.
Well, you shouldn’t worry.
First off, he’ll have Milan Lucic to give him advice whenever he needs it, and I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that Lucic’s presence was a consideration in handing the captaincy over to McDavid. Second, being named captain at a young age didn’t seem to stunt the development of the Pittsburgh Penguins when they gave their “C” to some kid named Crosby.
And third, the Edmonton Oilers are Connor McDavid’s team. You know it, I know it, the entire hockey world knows it. So what’s the advantage in not making that official with the letter on the sweater? If there is anything to be learned for him, there’s no better way to learn than by doing. And the ones who make the best captains are the ones who lead by example. Connor McDavid is a special talent who can lead just by doing what he does. The rest will fall into place.
