Connor McDavid Pens Emotional Message for Team Canada Ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics

After winning the 4 Nations Face-Off last year, Connor McDavid will gear up for his Olympic debut with Team Canada at the Winter Games in Milan.

Connor McDavid Pens Emotional Message for Team Canada Ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics

Connor McDavid (Image via NHL)

This coming Friday, the Winter Olympics 2026 will kick off in Milan, Italy. Ahead of this international event, Connor McDavid penned an emotional message for Team Canada.

Last year, McDavid was at the heart of Team Canada during the 4 Nations Face Off. It was the first best-on-best international tournament consisting of NHL stars since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

In the Championship game against the United States at the TD Garden in Boston, McDavid snatched the headlines with an overtime winner. The forward would attempt a shot at the goal after winning a face-off.

While his effort did not go in, Canada would soon regain possession. Mitch Marner would find him free and set him up. McDavid would do what he does best and buried his effort this time and gave Canada a famous 3-2 win over their neighbours.

Almost a year later, McDavid is gearing up to represent his country once again in an international tournament. As NHL stars return to the Winter Games, the 29-year-old penned down an emotional message to his country in The Players’ Tribune.

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 was on the U17s the first time I wore a Canada jersey, and I’ve dreamt of this moment ever since.

Connor McDavid said

Canada has been the dominant side in ice hockey during the Olympic Games. With 9 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals, they lead the medal tally at 16.

Connor McDavid wants to win Stanley Cup in Edmonton

Ever since being drafted as the No.1 pick in the 2015 draft, Connor McDavid has represented the Edmonton Oilers. Now in this 11th season with the team, the forward expressed his intentions of winning the Stanley Cup with the Oilers in Edmonton.

Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid (Image via Yardbarker)

In 2024, the Oilers reached their first Stanley Cup final since 2006. In the matchup against the Florida Panthers, the Canadian side found themselves staring at an embarrassing defeat as they went 3-0 down in the series.

They did fight back. Victories in Games 4, 5 and 6 saw them level the series and force Game 7. However, they were unable to clinch a 4th successive win and ended up losing 2-1, giving the Panthers their first ever Cup.

Despite a staggering 42 points in the playoffs, McDavid was unable to get his team over the finishing line.

In the 2024-25 season, the Oilers were aiming to do one better. They once again locked horns with the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals.

This time, they started strong. An overtime winner in Game 1 and a double overtime winner in Game 4, both from Leon Draisaitl, saw the series tied at 2-2 after 4 games.

The Panthers then blew the Oilers apart. A 5-2 win in Game 5 was followed by a 5-1 win in Game 6, with Sam Reinhart scoring 4 goals. For a second straight year, McDavid and the Oilers got their hearts crushed by the Panthers.

Before the 2025-26 season, there was a huge speculation regarding McDavid’s future. In the end, the Oilers captain signed a short-term 2-year, $25 million extension.

In The Players’ Tribune, the 3x NHL MVP expressed his desire to win the cup in Edmonton and feel the buzz.

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.

Connor McDavid said

At the moment, McDavid is the leading point scorer in the league. In 56 games, he has 95 points (34 goals and 61 assists). With a 28-20-4 record, the Oilers are tied at 64 points with the Vegas Golden Knights for the first spot in the Pacific Division.

Could third time be the charm for them this season? Only time will tell.

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