McDavid wins all-star skills competition and takes home $1 million
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Fitting that the player regarded as the face of the National Hockey League won the all-star skills competition on Friday night.
That would be Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, who captured the $1-million prize at Scotiabank Arena.
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“I know I’m going to have some teammates back home who are going to be very interested in what I’m going to do with it,” McDavid said of his winnings. “Maybe donate some of it, some of it to teammates, we will see. A lot of good options.”
McDavid won four of the eight events, including the fastest skater (for the fourth time in his career) with a time of 13.408 seconds in one lap around the rink. He also won the stickhandling challenge, the accuracy shooting and the obstacle course.
The Richmond Hill native had been sought out by the NHL for some input into the revamping of the skills competition.
“A lot of guys who had input,” McDavid said. “I thought it was entertaining. I know from a competitive side, it got competitive out there. I was huffing and puffing. Guys were working hard, trying to put on a good show. I feel like we did that. Ultimately, it’s up to the fans and I hope they enjoyed it.”
McDavid led the field of 12 players with 25 points in the events. Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar was second with 20 points, while the Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews was third with 18. William Nylander placed fourth.
“I was a little nervous after that poor start (when he was last in the one-timer event),” Matthews said. “I just wanted to make it to the next round, see what happens and I just snuck in there. It was a lot of fun, I think the fans enjoyed it.
“(McDavid) is a special player, he’s on top of the game and I don’t think anyone is surprised he’s walking away with first place and the big cheque.”
McDavid was asked about Matthews’ pace for 70 goals.
“It would be amazing,” McDavid said. “He’s as good as you’re going to find in this league and goal-scoring wise, he’s the best of the best. To think somebody might score 70 goals is mind-boggling. If anyone is going to do it, I think he is the guy. He is having a great year and I don’t see him slowing down.”
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