“The league focused everything on one player. It makes sense for business but not for the game. ”
Connor McDavid is clearly the top hockey player in the world. His amazing speed, skill, and smart play make him a once-in-a-lifetime player — the type that fills highlight reels. But that’s where the problem starts. The NHL has built its whole image, promotions, and media stories mostly around McDavid, leading to a league where one superstar stands out way too much. This isn’t McDavid’s fault — he’s just doing what he does best. The trouble comes from the way the league has focused everything on him.
The NHL’s strong focus on its star player has led to some downsides. Rather than celebrating rivalries, local players, or new talents, everything seems to go back to Edmonton. The outcome? A league that feels too focused on one player, making it boring and less interesting for fans who want to cheer for more than just one name. McDavid’s amazing skills make everyone else seem less impressive — not because they are, but because they hardly get any attention.
At the same time, teams with interesting stories and up-and-coming players find it hard to get noticed. The NHL used to be great because of its variety — not just in players, but also in their personalities, playing styles, and team identities. Nowadays, a lot of that excitement has been taken over by the “McDavid Show. ”
Once more, this is not McDavid’s fault. He makes the sport better every time he steps on the ice. But when a league promotes itself as if it relies on just one player, it risks leaving everyone else behind. Hockey should celebrate competition, surprises, and shared achievements. If the NHL doesn’t change its way of telling stories, it might discover that even the greatest player in the world can’t save a league that has forgotten to appreciate everyone else.
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