THE MCDAVID-MATTHEWS DYNAMIC
McDavid and Matthews will always be connected after being chosen with the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft in consecutive years, McDavid by the Edmonton Oilers in 2015, Matthews by the Maple Leafs in 2016.
In recent times, the Oilers captain has had the upper hand. In their first meeting since McDavid delivered the decisive dagger in the 4 Nations title game, he was dominant in Edmonton’s 6-3 victory against Toronto at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, opening the scoring with a highlight-reel goal en route to a three-point performance (two goals, one assist).
Moving forward, it will be one of the more intriguing matchups in Italy should the two countries meet, with McDavid one of the faces of Canada and Matthews the same for the U.S.
At the same time, both admit their friendship has grown over the years.
They played together for Team North America, otherwise known as the Young Guns, at the World Cup of Hockey 2016. They’ve trained together in Arizona. They’re both represented by the same agent, Judd Moldaver. They’ve even filmed a McDonald’s commercial together.
“I mean, I think our relationship just happened organically over the years,” Matthews said. “We were teammates at the World Cup in 2016 and just kind of got to know each other a little bit better after that.
“I have a ton of respect for him, not only for the person he is, but for the kind of player and person he is. He’s obviously a special, special player and, like I said, someone I have a ton of respect for.”
Count McDavid as a member of that mutual admiration society.
“Definitely a guy that I’ve known better and better over the course of our careers,” he said of Matthews. “We share the same agent, spend a little time together, so definitely know him better.”
What impresses McDavid about Matthews?
“Just his ability to score goals and the way he shoots the puck,” McDavid said. “The way he gets open. He doesn’t need much room.
“He’s really impressive.”