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J.S. Giguere disapproves of Connor McDavid's action on Stanley Cup Final night - 'Game is always bigger than the individual'
Connor McDavid won the 2024 Conn Smythe trophy for his exceptional performances throughout the playoffs where he went on to notch 42 points. However, the Oilers captain did not grace the stage to receive his award on the night they lost the Stanley Cup Final.
Former NHLer Jean-Sebastien Giguere shared his take on Connor McDavid’s Conn Smythe Trophy, despite being on the losing side in a Stanley Cup final–something Giguere himself can relate to. Giguere won the award in 2003 with the Anaheim Ducks although his team lost to the New Jersey Devils in seven games.
During an appearance on the "Leafs Morning Take" podcast, J.S. Giguere expressed empathy for Connor McDavid, acknowledging that McDavid deserved the trophy. However, Giguere disapproved of McDavid's decision not to accept the award in person.
“I feel for Connor, you know, he played so well and deserved that trophy in my mind. I do think that he should have gone and accepted the trophy. At the end of the day, I think the game is always bigger than the individual, you know, and this is a major trophy for the NHL,” he said.
Giguere insisted that accepting the trophy would have demonstrated good sportsmanship and set a positive example for young fans. He said:
“It's something, you know, like he would have showed kids, I guess, that winning or losing, you still present yourself the right way and accept your fate. Easier said than done. I get it. You know, I think he's an amazing player. He's an amazing ambassador for the game. So it's hard to imagine what was going through his mind.”
“I know what it was like. I still would have taken the picture and leave, but it's not easy for sure. You know, it would have shown great respect to the game to just show up and take the picture. That’s my personal opinion, I could be wrong,” he added.
Giguere acknowledged the difficulty of the situation and praised McDavid as an excellent player. He shared his opinion that showing up to accept the trophy, even in defeat, would have shown respect for the game.
Connor McDavid shares heartfelt message with fans after Stanley Cup final loss
The Stanley Cup final heartbreak was tough for the Edmonton players and fans. Connor McDavid was not different but it seems the Oilers captain has come to terms with the loss and is now focused on returning stronger next season.
Earlier this week he posted a heartfelt message for fans on his Instagram account along with a carousel of season highlight pictures. He wrote:
“A lot of highs and lows this season. Truly a learning experience. Thank you #OilCountry for sticking with us to the end. We have the best fans in the league. Keep believing and I can’t wait to get back to work next season 🧡💙”
It now remains to be seen if McDavid can return to the Stanley Cup final next year, drop another playoffs masterclasses and possibly collect the Conn Smythe trophy–this time in person.
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