Morning Skate: Connor McDavid’s goofy promo for ‘NHL 18’ is a breath of fresh air

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Lace ’em up. Time for the Morning Skate.

Connor McDavid is going to be the poster boy for the NHL for years to come. This is all but known thanks to his status as a budding superstar, and that his face is plastered all over the upcoming NHL 18 video game from EA Sports.

With just a few days to go until launch, McDavid has hit the promotional circut in full force. This week, we received quite a gift from McDavid, in the form of his best Orphan Black impression as he asked a variety of “fans” who should be on the cover of NHL 18.

The video, depending on your perspective, is either one full minute of cringe or delight. We here at SB Nation give our full approval of McDavid’s attempts at humor, because it’s nice to see a young NHL player show some personality once in awhile. The references to Johnny Gaudreau, hockey analytics, and even a millennial dig with a fidget spinner at the very end is a wonderous wave of relief in the monotony of hockey culture.

Especially coming from someone like McDavid, too. McDavid, for all his talent, seemed to stay in between the lines when talking to reporters and doing interviews. Sparks of fire showed when McDavid had beef with Flyers defenseman Brandon Manning after the star forward was injured, but things like this video show us there is hope for young players in the NHL.

So, we approve, McDavid. Keep on leading the charge for fun, if not a bit awkward and goofy, bits that show off a modicum of personality. The NHL will be better for it.

Speaking of fun personality, Jack Eichel had quite the comment when asked by ESPN about what rules NHL players would change. The Buffalo Sabres forward said he’d get rid of offside, and it’s a real interesting idea.

Russian hockey president Vladislav Tretiak spoke Wednesday to Russian news website R-Sport. In a statement translated by The Washington Post, Tretiak dashed hopes for Alex Ovechkin, saying he “has to accept” that playing in the Olympics won’t happen next year.

The Calgary Flames owners have said they will no longer look for a new arena within the city, putting pressure on the team to find an upgraded home.