Connor McDavid pens long personal article, talks about a "needing a break and a fresh start"

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid put a bit of fear into Oil Nation today.

With the Olympics on the horizon and with just two games left on the Oilers' schedule before the Olympic break, McDavid took some time today to pen an article for The Players' Tribune where he opens up and gets personal on his career to date and all the rumors surrounding him and his future in Edmonton.

To read the full article, check it out here:

I've compiled some choice cuts below.

On the narrative of the Oilers being an 'unlucky' team:

I’m 11 years into my career. Of course I think about my legacy. I want to be remembered as a winner. But not just anywhere. Here. To be in this city during a Cup run, to feel that buzz … it just wouldn’t be the same somewhere else. 

I think there’s this narrative that we’re this unlucky, troubled team. The end result hasn’t been there, but it’s not easy getting to two straight Cup Finals. We really pride ourselves on being good playoff performers, and our room knows what we’re capable of. I believe in this group. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have signed my extension.

Because, if I can be real here for a second, I just want to win something again.

On the importance of winning with Canada at the 4 Nations last year:

That’s what was so incredible about the 4 Nations last year. When I pulled on my jersey for the final against the U.S., I remembered that it had been eight years since that World Championship gold medal in Moscow. That was the last time I celebrated winning something. Eight years. And so that game against the U.S. in Boston last year … it meant so many different things to me. Representing Canada means everything to me. With not being able to play at the Olympics until this season, it’s been this part of me that’s been missing. Some of my favorite hockey memories ever are with a Canada jersey on. Or even just watching as a fan. 

On what drives him to be the best:

I don’t want to play golf. I don’t want to sit by the pool. I don’t want to be in the Bahamas. I don’t need a break, or a fresh start. I just want to be in Edmonton, playing hockey. I want to get back there again, whatever it takes. If that sounds like a robot, then I guess I’m a robot. But I see it differently. It doesn’t feel like work to me. It’s just the game that I love. Ever since I was a little kid, it’s been the same feeling…. It’s like every time you step onto a fresh sheet of ice, even if it’s at 5 o’clock in the morning, you’re just so excited for that Zamboni to come off and for that barn door to swing open so you can hop out onto the ice. 

You hear that first crunch, and you just love it. I still love it, even when it sucks.

On the upcoming Olympics:

Every day is another chance, another opportunity to choose better. I really cannot wait for these Olympics. I’ll be bringing everything I’ve learned to Italy to represent my country. I’ve waited a long time to say that. I don’t think it will really hit me until I get over there. I was on the U17s the first time I wore a Canada jersey, and I’ve dreamt of this moment ever since. Pulling on that sweater, being in a room with the different generations of great players — Sid and Nate and Celebrini and all those guys. It’s such an honor, really. 

Again, to read the full article click the link above.