Connor McDavid opens up about rejecting the Conn Smythe Trophy

For Connor McDavid and his teammates, last season's conclusion was one of the most devastating times. As the Florida Panthers celebrated their triumph, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman called McDavid to present him with the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. But by then, McDavid had already withdrew to the locker room, his emotions raw from the defeat. McDavid admits in the NHL's behind-the-scenes documentary that he decided not to go back out on the ice to accept the award during that tearful moment.

The entire hockey community was divided over this choice, as some people, like former Conn Smythe winner JS Giguere, criticized him. Giguere believed that his absence was a sign of disrespect for the honor. Fans and pundits alike weighed in on what should be expected from a player during those moments, demonstrating how polarizing the topic became and how much scrutiny surrounded McDavid's decision.

But McDavid's choice was understandable, so no one could hold him accountable. He had just experienced heartbreak, so spending time with his teammates was more important to him than celebrating a personal victory. The emotional trauma of missing out on the Stanley Cup is so great that winning it with his teammates is more important to him than any personal victory.

McDavid demonstrated the qualities of a true captain by sacrificing personal glory in favor of teamwork and unity. The depth of McDavid's relationship with his teammates is further highlighted by the later reports from insiders like Elliotte Friedman about how emotional it really was behind the scenes for the Oilers.

In the end, it was impossible to overcome Connor McDavid's incredible brilliance. He became only the second player in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe in a losing effort, setting a record-breaking 42 points in the playoffs and breaking Wayne Gretzky's record for assists. His skill was highlighted on the ice, and this near miss will only strengthen the Oilers' resolve to rally and win the Stanley Cup in the end.