Toronto media finally calls out the crucial difference between McDavid and Matthews
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On a recent episode of Overdrive the hosts engaged in a narrative that has surfaced ever since Connor McDavid signed a discounted salary extension; mainly, the corelation between taking a maximum salary and the desire to win a Cup.
In the episode, host and former-Leaf Mike Johnston cited various examples of players that have taken the max salary, or close to to it, whose desire to win has come into question as a result.
Auston Matthews getting negative media attention because of comment he made
When asked recently about McDavid's new deal, Matthews simply replied, 'He wants to win,' which some in the media took to be sarcasm, though it clearly wasn't. Auston was simply commenting on the obvious, that McDavid has left money on the negotiating table so the Oilers can add pieces to its lineup, full stop.
This prompted analysts to share their own thoughts on the matter.
"The only thing I don't like," Mike Johnston said, "was the idea that he [McDavid] is doing this [taking a discount] as proof positive that somehow he cares about winning more than guys who didn't do this.
Does that mean that Leon Draisaitl is not committed to winning; he didn't take any discount...We can celebrate the guy that did it, but don't come down on a guy like Kaprisov like he doesn't want to win because he took full value on his contract.'
Does that mean that Leon Draisaitl is not committed to winning; he didn't take any discount...We can celebrate the guy that did it, but don't come down on a guy like Kaprisov like he doesn't want to win because he took full value on his contract.'
The same argument can be made about Auston Matthews, who wants to win a Stanley Cup as badly as anyone in the league, including Connor McDavid.
At the end of the day, analysts and podcasters will, well, analyse whatever bit of news comes down the pike - it's the nature of sports and media, and what keeps the sports' dialogue moving forward, looking at all sides of an issue.
As far as Connor McDavid goes, whatever his salary, his desire to win is at an all time high, whose team is as close as it's ever been, since his draft year, of going all the way. You can feel it in everything the Captain says, and does. One thing is certain, 2025-26 will be a special year for the Oilers.
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OCTOBRE 10 | 640 ANSWERS Toronto media finally calls out the crucial difference between McDavid and Matthews Who do you think is a better player: McDavid or Matthews? | ||
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