Great leaders have the ability to carry a team through tough moments in games and stretches of the season. The Oilers just so happen to have a young captain who is tops in NHL scoring through two games. Not only that, but he's put up points with electric, game-breaking plays that showcase just how good the 2015 first-overall pick is.
"We're going to be talking about this, I think, all year," said Oilers winger Pat Maroon. "There's nothing more I can say. It's Connor McDavid, and that's why he's our captain. He's obviously been a great leader so far and he's been driving the bus for us. That's what he does. It's fun to watch. I've never seen a player like this in my day - obviously, Sidney Crosby. But watching (McDavid) live on the bench every night is really special. He deserves it. I'm happy for him. He's our captain. If he keeps driving the bus, I think all the other three lines are going to keep rolling."
Being a leader also means saying what needs to be said, when it needs to be said. McDavid has shown an ability to do that, while also putting the team on his back in big moments with his play.
"He's great," said Maroon. "He knows what it takes to win, obviously in the OHL, and last year was a down year for us but he knows what it takes to win and knows what our team needs. You can tell when things aren't going well and teams like Calgary are in our zone for a couple shifts, he takes off and scores a goal. That's what leaders do. He changes the momentum of the game. He shows nothing but good stuff in the locker room. He's really humble, he says the right things that need to be said and that's what leaders do. Hopefully, we can continue this. He's the one that's gonna drive the bus all year. It's fun to watch and it's good for our team to have Connor McDavid on our team."
McDavid has three goals and three assists in two games.
McDavid "driving the bus"
