Connor McDavid is widely regarded as the best hockey player in the world, yet his career has taken an intriguing path. Despite his undeniable talent, McDavid has a knack for being named the best player in tournaments that his team doesn't win.
This pattern has followed him from his days in the OHL Cup and OHL Playoffs to the Stanley Cup, where he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy. Notably, McDavid was seen in a behind-the-scenes video expressing his reluctance to accept the award on the ice, saying he wouldn't do it "for a million dollars." Most recently, at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, McDavid was named the tournament MVP despite Canada's loss to the United States in the gold medal game.
Here's a snapshot of McDavid's individual accolades in tournaments where his team fell short:
- OHL Cup MVP (Lost)
- OHL Playoff MVP (Lost)
- Conn Smythe Trophy (Lost)
- Olympic MVP (Lost)
This trend raises an age-old debate: how much is greatness defined by championships? Consider Mike Trout, who is often hailed as the greatest baseball player of his era yet has never won a playoff series. LeBron James, despite winning four NBA championships, faces criticism for his six Finals losses.
Is it fair to hold McDavid accountable for his team's inability to clinch the final victory? While critics may be quick to point fingers, it's hard to ignore the role he plays in leading his team to these high-stakes games. Sunday's defeat was particularly perplexing, given the wealth of talent on Canada's roster.
For McDavid, winning a major final would be the ultimate validation of his abilities. He's proven nearly everything else, and this latest setback may just fuel his determination further. If motivation was ever in question, this latest defeat provides plenty.