Jay Woodcroft reveals feelings on McDavid's leadership

The Edmonton Oilers certainly hit the jackpot when they landed the No. 1 overall selection in the 2015 NHL Draft, and using it to select phenom Connor McDavid. All he's done since making his professional debut later that year is absolutely dominate and earn the near unanimous title of the top player in the game today. 

He's about to hit a career milestone later this evening in the American capitol city of Washington DC against the Capitals, as he'll be suiting up in his 500th game - all of which have been spent in an Oilers uniform. And ahead of tonight's matchup, head coach Jay Woodcroft revealed that he feels while McDavid has gotten his due as a "generational" star, his leadership abilities are sometimes overlooked. 

"It feels like it's gone by fast, and what he's done and been able to accomplish in such a short time, I think is amazing," Woodcroft said. "He's a generation player and is someone that I don't think gets enough credit on the leadership side of things. For Connor, it's not about just setting the example, but also about holding the team to a certain standard and holding people accountable to that standard. That's a lot of things that people don't get to see from behind the scenes, but I do. I've seen  a young man mature over those 500 games and a player evolve and mature. He's a treat to be around and to watch operate on a day in and day out basis." 

McDavid will be going up against Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin, who continues to shatter goal scoring records left and right in his quest to eventually unseat Wayne Gretzky as the greatest scorer in NHL history.

"Usually, people that have that type of longevity as a top player don't get enough credit fo the work they put in away from the rink," Woodcroft said. "The shape that they pride themselves of being on and the work that's evolved in growing their game." 

Tonight's game begins at 8:00 PM EST from Capital One Arena.