"Being the best is the goal" - Tyler Ennis highlights similarities between Connor McDavid & Auston Matthews 

By ARJUN B

Modified Aug 14, 2024 04:00 GMT

Former NHL player Tyler Ennis shared his unique insights on two of hockey's brightest stars, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews, having played alongside both during his career.

In an interview on the "Spittin' Chiclets" podcast on Tuesday, Ennis painted a vivid picture of what sets these players apart:

"I would say the similarities are that they're so unattainably good." Ennis said.

Ennis, known for his skill throughout his career, found himself humbled when first encountering Matthews during a casual skate in Toronto:

“My whole life, everyone's like, 'You got so much skill, you know, blah, blah'. I skate with Auston, way more skilled than me. He's 6-foot-3, jacked and he shoots the puck like Joe Sakic, you're like this is a different beast right here. He's got Patrick Kane skill, shoots the puck.”

Similarly, his first practice with McDavid was also eye-opening:

“Connor, same deal. First practice with Connor, you're like 'That's not a human.' And then, on top of that, you guys probably all know the guys that are the best of the best, they just, they're different off the ice.”

Ennis further highlighted their dedication off the ice, noting their meticulous approaches to nutrition, recovery and overall preparations:

“Those guys are getting a treatment everyday, they're just so dialed in, they just wanna be the best. You know, for me making the NHL was the goal, for them, being the best is the goal." Ennis added.

NHL analyst Derek Van Diest talks about Connor McDavid's next contract

NHL analyst Derek Van Diest weighed in on Connor McDavid's potential next contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

McDavid is currently in the sixth year of his eight-year, $100 million deal signed back in 2017. However, with teammate Leon Draisaitl likely signing a massive extension this summer, McDavid's next contract could be impacted. But Diest is confident that the Oilers captain will get a record-breaking new contract, saying (via NHL Network):

"Connor McDavid is going to be the highest-paid player in hockey history in the next contract. I think he's a guy that deserves it. He's a guy that's proven he's a superstar."

Derek Van Diest believes McDavid has earned a major payday down the road. How much do you think Connor McDavid's new contract could be worth? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.