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# Growing up, Connor McDavid had a Leafs jersey with his name on it
- URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/growing-up-connor-mcdavid-had-a-leafs-jersey-with-his-name-on-it/
- Published: 2016-02-11T21:15:03.000Z
- Updated: 2016-02-11T21:15:03.000Z
- Description: McDavid loved the Maple Leafs before he loved any other team. Hey, there's still time to fix the mess the lottery balls made...
- Author: Ari Yanover
- Tags: #chorus, #Import 2023-04-05 10:50

[Connor McDavid](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/255253/connor-mcdavid?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) is a popular subject amongst hockey circles, but particularly amongst bad teams. For years leading up to his draft year, several eyes were on him; when it was actually 2015, every single eye was.

While the [Toronto Maple Leafs](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/toronto-maple-leafs?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) were bad enough to be in the McDavid conversation - though they just missed out on the lottery and ended up picking fourth overall rather than first - the [Buffalo Sabres](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/buffalo-sabres?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) willingly threw their entire season away just to try to get him.

Alas, nobody can tank and win lotteries like the [Edmonton Oilers](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/edmonton-oilers?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com), and so, poor Connor's fate was sealed.

But as the Leafs are in Edmonton tonight, and McDavid is actually healthy this go-around, talk has gravitated back to him - and let's not forget that, being from Richmond Hill, McDavid loved the Leafs well before he loved any other team.

To that extent, he talked with TSN's Mark Masters about his Leafs fandom growing up - and it's adorable (and just a little heartbreaking).

For instance:

> What Toronto moments resonated with McDavid growing up? Connor smiles, "There were a lot of tough times being a Leafs fan"
> 
> — Mark Masters (@markhmasters) [February 11, 2016](https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/697879302797307905?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

> Reporter: You don't remember much about (last Leafs) Cup win?  
> McDavid: (Big grin) "No, I don't even think I was a thought around then"
> 
> — Mark Masters (@markhmasters) [February 11, 2016](https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/697880128227926016?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

Well, that's a lot of sass.

He did have some more detailed answers, though:

> McDavid went on to list:   
> Sundin getting No. 500 in OT  
> 2002 playoff run  
>  
> "A couple good memories for sure"
> 
> — Mark Masters (@markhmasters) [February 11, 2016](https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/697879511749144576?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

McDavid would have been five years old during that 2002 playoff run, so that's distressing to think about. That also covers today's daily "you're old" reminder.

His Leafs fandom was very true, though:

> How much Leafs gear did McDavid have growing up? "My childhood room was pretty embarrassing"
> 
> — Mark Masters (@markhmasters) [February 11, 2016](https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/697880286521008128?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

Embarrassing or awesome, Connor? Just say it was awesome.

And my favourite part...

> What Leafs jersey did McDavid own growing up? A personalized one his dad got him
> 
> — Mark Masters (@markhmasters) [February 11, 2016](https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/697879700958351360?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

FORESHADOWING, PERHAPS?

Entry level deals only last three years. There's time, Connor. There's time to turn that childhood jersey into the real thing. Think about your dad, Connor. Just think about him, and do the right thing.