Connor McDavid admitted Friday, ahead of Saturday's game against the Maple Leafs, that he grew up cheering for Toronto.
For a player who was born in Richmond Hill, Ontario, the comment isn't a complete shock. But it's rare to hear the best player in the world say it out loud, a day before he walks into the building as the visitor.
"Doesn't matter how many times you come back here, it's always a special building to me," McDavid said. "I was a Leafs fan growing up as a kid. Saturday night, too. Hockey Night in Canada."
He kept going. "Although I'm not sure we're allowed to say that anymore. But it'll always be Hockey Night in Canada to me."
The Oilers captain is in the middle of another monster season, with 49 points in 20 games. He's also been busy in front of the microphone, after Connor McDavid's public verdict on Mike Babcock earlier today.
The Oilers arrive in Toronto at 14-3-3, first in the Pacific Division, and 7-0-1 on the road. They've won three straight.
How will Toronto receive McDavid on Saturday?
Probably with respect, and with a lot of envy. The Maple Leafs have lost five in a row, the latest a 5-2 loss to the Wild on Thursday night. They sit 23rd in the NHL at 8-11-2.
The home crowd hasn't had much to enjoy either. Toronto is 4-8-1 at home this season, so a visiting superstar who just told the city he grew up on its team may get a warmer reception than some of the players in blue and white.
McDavid has a special place in the heart of this rivalry for another reason. He has produced 38 assists, and his assist streak and the scoring call that put it in doubt was one of the stories of the week earlier this month.
Now he gets a stage in his home province against a team that has no answers right now. Jim Hiller's group needs a way to slow down a line led by a player who just admitted he used to watch them on Saturday nights.
It also makes for a fascinating contrast. One side is chasing a franchise-altering season, the other is trying to stop a slide before it gets worse.
Puck drop is Saturday, November 14, with the Oilers at the Maple Leafs.
This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence, based on public reports and official sources.
How will Toronto fans react to Connor McDavid on Saturday?
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