Gary Bettman refuses to call Oilers Connor McDavid the best player in the world

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Graham Montgomery
June 24, 2024 (6:50 PM)

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NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was on First Take with Stephen Smith this morning where he oddly refused to credit Connor McDavid as the best hockey player in the world.

During his interview with Smith, Bettman was obviously trying to draw attention to the league and the Stanley Cup finals, which will be ending today one way or another. Luckily for the NHL, the league's biggest superstar is in the contest as Connor McDavid will attempt to lead his Oilers to becoming just the second team in NHL history to pull off a reverse sweep in the Stanley Cup finals.

However, Bettman refused to laud over McDavid in the interview. One would think that he would be hyping the player up as much as possible in order to create interest from viewers who do not typically watch the NHL. Instead, all he could muster was that he 'may well be' the best player in the world.

"He is a bonafide superstar. Most [people] think he's the best hockey player on the face of the earth, and he may well be."

�NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Connor McDavid 👏

The fan response to this was expected. Hockey fans universally dunked on Bettman for using such cautionary language when talking about McDavid. He is obviously the best player in the world, and it is not particularly close, as many fans pointed out.

???

Theres no debate hes the best player on planet earth he has been for 7 years LOL

Fans have long complained about how bad the NHL is at marketing their product, and this is another prime example. McDavid should be getting the same level of attention that Steph Curry and Aaron Judge get. Instead, most Americans don't even know who he is.

Lmao Gary, he's the best player in the league and it's not particularly close.

With all of that being said, McDavid is not paying any attention to any possible distractions ahead of the winner-take-all contest. He is 100% focused and dialed in on putting up his best performance of his career. If he is successful, his legacy will immediately be elevated to legend status even as an active player.

«You got to make it as ordinary as possible in your head. A part of that is just sticking to your routine.»

Connor McDavid on preparing for the game 7 Stanley Cup final.

Be sure to tune in tonight to see how game seven goes.

Source: MarkerZone
Gary Bettman rudely disrespects Connor McDavid in live interview

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