In the lead-up to Saturday’s showdown between the Edmonton Oilers and the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jon Cooper, head coach of both Team Canada and the Lightning, didn’t hold back in expressing his admiration for Connor McDavid. Their bond, cemented during the 2026 Winter Olympics, remains strong despite Canada’s silver finish after a tough loss to the United States in the gold medal game.
McDavid’s Olympic performance was nothing short of spectacular. He earned the tournament MVP honors and a spot on the Olympic All-Star Team, thanks to his record-setting 13 points. His consistent excellence was evident in every game, except the final, where the team fell just short.
Cooper, speaking through reporter Gene Principe, shared heartfelt sentiments about McDavid. “Connor’s got a special place in my heart,” he said. “Coaching Canada was a pleasure, and not winning gold was tough for all of us, especially for McDavid.”
Despite the Olympic disappointment, the experience only strengthened their professional connection. Cooper leaned on McDavid’s incredible speed and vision to power Canada’s offense. Initially an assistant captain, McDavid stepped up as captain following Sidney Crosby’s injury, leading the top line and driving Canada through the knockout stages with his leadership.
Back in the NHL, McDavid continues to dominate, leading the Edmonton Oilers with 115 points this season. The Oilers boast one of the league’s most potent offenses, though they face challenges with defensive consistency and goaltending.
As Cooper and McDavid face off from opposite benches once more, the mutual respect remains palpable. Cooper’s praise highlights not just McDavid’s on-ice brilliance, but the enduring impact he left on Team Canada.