NASHVILLE — Connor McDavid has a myriad of skills that were NHL ready the minute the Edmonton Oilers drafted him last summer.
He skates as well or better than anyone in hockey. He sees the ice and processes the game at an elite level. He handles and dishes the puck like any 10-year-veteran.
But when it comes to winning faceoffs, the 18-year-old rookie looks a lot like an 18-year-old rookie.
And that’s to be expected. Of all the skills that young hockey players struggle with in the NHL, the ability to win draws is by far the toughest.