Oilers forward Connor McDavid named youngest NHL captain ever
The Edmonton Oilers named forward Connor McDavid a team captain, making him the youngest player in NHL history to receive the honor.
McDavid, at 19 years and 266 days old, edges Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog, who was only 20 days older when he received the honor in 2012.
McDavid was the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NHL draft and has played in only 45 NHL games.
"He's mature beyond his years, so he's dealt with all of you since he was 14," Oilers coach Todd McLellan said. "He handles himself very well and takes care of his teammates in front of and with the media, which we think is very important in a Canadian franchise.''
McDavid was also the captain of Team North America during last month's World Cup.
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"That [North America role] was even more of a difficult job than this,'' McDavid said. "You're trying to get to know the guys all at the same time, while here in Edmonton everyone's so close."
McDavid had 16 goals and 32 assists during his rookie season.
Edmonton has missed the playoffs in each of the past 10 seasons, and last season finished with the worst record in the Western Conference.
The Oilers open the 2016 regular season on Oct. 12 against the Calgary Flames.
– Scooby Axson