Attacker “Neftekhimik” Nail Yakupov in an interview with , he recalled how the star striker Connor McDavid with whom they played together in Edmonton, suffered the first serious injury of his adult career.
In 2012-16, Yakupov played for Edmonton, who selected him in the 2012 draft under No. 1 overall. In 2015, the Oilers spent an equally high pick on Canadian forward Connor McDavid. In November 2015, in a game against Philadelphia, McDavid broke his collarbone, recovery from the injury took three months.
– You in Edmonton captured the moment when the incredible Connor McDavid rose in the 2015/16 season. What do you remember from the start of his career?
“McDavid stood out from day one. Not as bright as it is now. But it was clear that the guy was from another world. By the way, to the question of psychology – already at the age of 18 he was mentally ready to play at such a level.
Connor is a very humble guy. But he acted like a leader. He didn’t raise his voice, he wasn’t heard in the locker room. However, McDavid might approach his partner and suggest, “Don’t do that, better do it a little differently, and you’ll be fine.” You listen to him and you understand that McDavid is right. He doesn’t push you around, but makes very friendly remarks that only do good.
It was a pleasure to play with him. Really in a hurry! By being close to such players, you also learn. McDavid does everything to change partners for the better.
I remember when he had this famous injury in the first season. He walks to the bench holding each other by the shoulder and there is no emotion on his face. Nothing shown in front of the team. It looks like he came back, got out on the ice, tried to skate and found he couldn’t play.
He walked down the long hallway to the dressing room, and when the doors closed behind him, Connor began to sob in pain like a child. The tears flowed in a hail, according to the doctor: “Crying like a child.” But McDavid never showed his emotions when he was going through a tough time. On the contrary, he clarifies it by his example: “Why is it difficult for you, but not difficult for me? Here, listen, I can do anything easily.
He made you endure, get the best out of yourself. Even though it was also difficult for him on the inside, and nothing fell from the sky for his talent.
– This injury prevented McDavid from winning the Calder Trophy, the best newcomer award went to Artemy Panarin.
– Maybe Panara wouldn’t have won this award, but it’s hard to say. Both are very good players, both deserve it. However, this happens in hockey. Broke out of the blue and that’s it. But then Connor won every prize possible. And he will take it anyway. I don’t think he was very upset with Calder and it interfered with his career,” Yakupov told .
The 2021 Gagarin Cup winner with Avangard Omsk Yakupov returned to Neftekhimik in July. The agreement with the 29-year-old hockey player is designed for one year.
Source : MatchTV
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