Connor McDavid played his first game with Team Canada's full NHL squad at the 4 Nations Faceoff last night, and after the game sent a strong message to the league on how much this was needed, as well as a potential rule change as well.
NHL Players had reportedly lobbied hard for the chance to play international best on best hockey again, and that specifically seemed to apply to Connor McDavid - who relished the chance to play with the incredibly talented roster.
Connor McDavid sends strong message that international hockey is staying, longer overtime is better
With the NHL last playing international hockey at the World Cup in 2016, it was long overdue that the league sorted out their issues to get players back on the ice playing for their countries.
I've been saying, we've been missing best on best, and that's obviously why. That's as high-end a game as you're going to find. Fast, skilled, great players doing great things. That's what we've been missing for a decade now. Something the fans enjoy, something the players enjoy a lot.- Connor McDavid
McDavid must have been one of the key figures lobbying for the return of international hockey, as he repeatedly stated how amazing and necessary the event is.
Credit to the NHL for listening to the demands of the players and allowing this tournament in place of the All-Star Game. It truly is a win for everyone, as the players get to play more engaging and important games, and the league makes more money with more games.
With McDavid's message tonight and the upcoming CBA, it's clear international hockey is here to stay.
McDavid lobbies for extended overtimes as better than shootout
In addition to taking a strong stance that International hockey is better than the all star gimmick game, McDavid seemed to take the chance to advocate for an extended overtime in the NHL.
Canada and Sweden went to an electric finish in a 10 minute 3 on 3 overtime, that had the best players on the ice for extended stretches making elite players. McDavid said the players preferred it much more to a shootout, perhaps hinting the NHL should adopt extended overtime too.
The first game in the new 4 Nations Faceoff was a smash success for the entire sport of hockey. Players, fans, and the NHL alike are thrilled to be seeing actually meaningful games, instead of just another lazy all star weekend.
