Former Conn Smythe Winner says McDavid sets bad example for kids

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Liam McCormick
July 11, 2024 (3:42 PM)

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Connor McDavid won the Conn Smythe Trophy for a historic playoffs this year despite being on the losing team, and didn't come out to accept to trophy after the Game 7 loss.

Former NHL goalie J.S. Giguere won the Conn Smythe in a losing effort in the 2003 Stanley Cup Final, and has been extremely vocal in his criticism of McDavid not accepting the trophy. In a new interview, Giguere even said McDavid set a bad example for kids watching the NHL.

»I do think that he should have gone and accepted the Trophy. At the end of the day I think the game is always bigger than the individual. This is a major trophy for the NHL. It would've showed kids, I guess, that winning or losing you still present yourself the right way.»
- JS Giguere

Honestly, it's kind of strange that Giguere is continuing to double down on his opinion that it was wrong of McDavid to not come out to accept the Conn Smythe Trophy. It was abundantly clear that he was devastated by the defeat and the Panthers were well on their way to celebrating a Cup Win on home ice.

According to reports, McDavid wanted to be with his teammates in what was described as an emotional moment in the locker room after the game.

Connor McDavid's on-ice performance and dedication to his teammates provided a better example to the NHL for what a hockey player should be rather than accepting an individual trophy. Surely as well this won't be McDavid's last time in the Conn Smythe discussion. Hopefully the Oilers pull off a win next time, and he'll stay out to accept the trophy.

Source: TheLeafsNation on X

Giguere speaks on McDavid again