“What a joke”: Connor McDavid earns top NHLPA honor but fans say others were more “deserving”
In the world of professional sports, accolades and honors are a major part of the narrative that shapes players’ legacies. Every year, athletes compete for a variety of awards, but one of the most prestigious honors in the National Hockey League (NHL) is awarded by the players themselves: the NHLPA (National Hockey League Players’ Association) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. This honor is unique in that it is voted on by fellow players, giving it a level of authenticity and respect that other awards may lack. For many, this award signifies the best of the best — the player who has made the most impact on the ice during the regular season.
When Connor McDavid, the captain of the Edmonton Oilers, was announced as the recipient of this coveted honor, it naturally sparked a flurry of reactions — some filled with admiration, others dripping with skepticism. As McDavid’s name was called, it seemed as though there was widespread consensus that he was, in fact, deserving of yet another major accolade in his already glittering career. However, the reactions from fans and pundits alike were not entirely unanimous. While McDavid is undoubtedly one of the NHL’s elite players, many fans voiced their displeasure with his win, arguing that others were more deserving of the award.
The debate surrounding McDavid’s recognition underscores the complexity of what it means to be the “most valuable” player in the league. After all, McDavid has set records, broken barriers, and delivered some of the most awe-inspiring performances in modern hockey. Yet, as the debate rages on, it’s important to explore why fans are questioning McDavid’s win and whether there were truly other players who had a stronger case to be the NHLPA MVP.
1. Connor McDavid’s Legacy and Dominance
Connor McDavid is widely regarded as the most electrifying player in the NHL today. His speed, vision, and playmaking ability are unparalleled, and he continues to rewrite the history books. Over the course of his career, McDavid has been a two-time Art Ross Trophy winner (as the league’s top scorer), a two-time Hart Trophy winner (MVP of the regular season), and is the centerpiece of the Edmonton Oilers’ offense. He has consistently been one of the top goal-scorers and assist leaders, and his ability to elevate the play of his teammates is a testament to his exceptional skill set.
McDavid’s 2023-2024 campaign was another exceptional year, as he continued to post impressive statistics. Whether it’s his ability to thread the needle with perfect passes, his lethal wrist shot, or his ability to take over games in the blink of an eye, McDavid is the embodiment of greatness. His 150-point season was one of the most extraordinary offensive outputs in recent memory, placing him in the upper echelons of NHL history. Statistically, it’s hard to argue that McDavid does not deserve recognition.
However, with great success comes high expectations. McDavid’s dominance on the ice has led many to expect nothing short of perfection. As such, his accomplishments often feel almost expected, which may have contributed to some of the criticisms surrounding his most recent honor.
2. The NHLPA MVP Award and Its Significance
The NHLPA MVP Award is unique in that it is voted on by the players themselves. The league’s athletes, those who compete against each other every night, are tasked with selecting the player they believe has been the most valuable during the regular season. In a way, this makes the award one of the most respected in the league, as it represents peer recognition.
For players, being recognized by their fellow competitors carries immense weight. A player might be the media’s darling or the fans’ favorite, but if the people who are tasked with beating him on the ice are consistently acknowledging his greatness, it speaks volumes. The honor is not a popularity contest, but rather an acknowledgment from the players of their peers’ accomplishments.
While McDavid’s skill and ability are widely recognized by players across the league, this is where the criticism starts to creep in. Some fans argue that the MVP award should not just be about individual numbers and that there are instances in which other players could have been more “valuable” to their teams in specific ways.
3. Why Fans Are Questioning McDavid’s MVP Win
The “Other Deserving” Candidates
One of the main points of contention regarding McDavid’s MVP win is that fans feel there were other players who had just as strong, if not stronger, cases. To truly understand why this sentiment exists, it’s important to look at a few players who were considered by many to be more deserving of the honor, based on their performances during the 2023-2024 season.
- Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)
As McDavid’s teammate and the second half of the most dominant offensive duo in the NHL, Leon Draisaitl had a season that could have rivaled McDavid’s in terms of raw offensive production. Draisaitl put up impressive numbers of his own, finishing near the top of the league in points and goals. While Draisaitl may not have the same dazzling individual skills as McDavid, his consistency and ability to contribute in all areas of the game make him a standout in his own right.
- Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Matthews was another player whose name was frequently mentioned in the MVP conversation. His ability to score goals at an elite level made him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league. Matthews finished the season with 60 goals, making him a serious contender for the Hart Trophy as well. The fact that Matthews was able to lead a talented Toronto team to a solid playoff position while providing elite-level production in all areas made him a worthy candidate for the NHLPA MVP Award.
- Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers)
One of the most controversial discussions around McDavid’s MVP win revolved around goaltending. Igor Shesterkin, who helped the Rangers secure one of the top playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, had a season that saw him consistently keep his team in games with stellar goaltending performances. Goalies often get overlooked in MVP discussions, but Shesterkin’s play was vital to his team’s success. His ability to stop pucks in clutch moments and maintain a high level of performance throughout the season was, in the eyes of many fans, more “valuable” than a forward putting up gaudy numbers.
- Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
Makar is a game-changing defenseman with offensive capabilities that rival those of many forwards. His ability to dominate from the back end and contribute in both the defensive and offensive zones made him a player many fans considered to be deserving of MVP recognition. Makar’s dynamic skill set and ability to control the flow of games as a defenseman often put him in the discussion for the NHLPA MVP Award, though he didn’t capture the award this season.
The “McDavid Fatigue” Factor
Another reason some fans are questioning McDavid’s MVP win is what has been called “McDavid fatigue.” As one of the most dominant players in the history of the NHL, McDavid’s continued success might have led to a sense of inevitability around his accolades. Fans have come to expect his greatness, and as a result, the recognition doesn’t always feel as fresh or groundbreaking. There’s an element of repetition when McDavid wins MVP after MVP, which some argue dilutes the significance of his achievements.
In this sense, McDavid’s regular-season dominance almost feels like the norm, and his accolades could be seen as “given” rather than earned. Fans want to see new stories unfold, and players like Matthews or Draisaitl may have presented a fresh and exciting storyline that fans felt was worthy of recognition. This “fatigue” doesn’t diminish McDavid’s incredible talent, but it does introduce a feeling that his win is automatic, which may not resonate with some fans who want to see the honor go to a new face.
4. The Debate Over What Makes a Player “Most Valuable”
The crux of the debate surrounding McDavid’s MVP win comes down to what exactly it means to be “most valuable.” Is the award simply about the player with the most points, the player with the most goals, or is it about who truly makes the biggest impact on their team? McDavid’s 150-point season is undoubtedly impressive, but some fans argue that value should be measured differently.
For example, players like Matthews, Shesterkin, and Makar provide intangible value beyond points and goals. Matthews can score in clutch moments, Makar can drive play from the blue line, and Shesterkin can keep his team in games single-handedly. In contrast, McDavid’s value is often more easily quantifiable — the assist leader, the point leader, the guy who makes every highlight reel. But the question remains: Is that enough to make him the “most valuable” player?
Connor McDavid’s win of the NHLPA MVP Award is a testament to his extraordinary talent, and there’s no doubt that he is one of the best players the league has ever seen. However, the reactions from fans questioning his win reflect the complexities of what it means to be the most valuable player. In a league where so many players bring unique and diverse skills to the table, defining “value” becomes a much more nuanced discussion.
While McDavid remains an undeniable force, the critiques about his win underscore the need for greater debate and discussion about what it truly means to be “most valuable.” The MVP award is not just a measure of statistics but a reflection of how players impact their teams, and in the case of the 2023-2024 season, there were certainly other players who made compelling cases for being more “deserving” of the honor.
In the end, McDavid’s victory in the NHLPA MVP vote is an acknowledgment of his ongoing excellence, but it also highlights the challenges in defining value in a team sport where different players contribute in a variety of ways. Fans may continue to argue about the legitimacy of his win, but McDavid’s place in NHL history is already firmly cemented. As for the award itself, it remains one of the most difficult honors to truly define and, as a result, will continue to spark debate for years to come.
