There’s pressure in hockey, and then there’s Olympic pressure. And right now, no one is carrying more of it than Connor McDavid. When he steps onto that Olympic ice, it’s not just another game—it’s basically the whole country leaning forward on their couches, hoping he does something magical. And honestly, it’s wild watching how he handles it.
CUJO Weighs in on McDavid’s Approach to the Olympics
What makes this moment even better is hearing it all through the lens of Curtis Joseph, who’s been in McDavid’s life since he was a kid. Cujo’s seen him grow up, and he knows the difference between a guy who’s “ready to play” and a guy who’s locked in like it’s life or death. According to Cujo, McDavid hit the ice against Czechia and threw a huge hit on his very first shift.
By doing so, he basically let everyone know he wasn’t easing into anything. You don’t do that on a Tuesday in Columbus. But the Olympics? That’s a very different story.
McDavid Plays with the Legends Like It’s Normal
And then you’ve got the fact he’s skating with legit icons. Playing next to Crosby would make most players overthink every shift, but McDavid just blends right in. Cujo even compared his whole vibe to Gretzky and Lemieux — cool, calm, nothing shakes them. McDavid is carrying himself the same way. You can just feel he knows how big this chance is.
One thing Cujo pointed out really stuck with me: McDavid’s not just doing what everyone expected — he’s blowing past it. And when you start the tournament already viewed as one of the top players alive, that’s unreal. Every puck touch has intent behind it. He’s not chasing points; he’s trying to drag the tempo where he wants it. That’s big-time leadership.
For McDavid, Winning an Olympic Gold Is a Huge Thing
You can see it in him — this gold run matters. It’s not some TV talking point; it’s genuine. McDavid’s smart enough to know he might never get a cleaner lane to a gold medal, and he’s going after it hard. Every shift has that extra bite. It feels like one of those tournaments fans bring up forever, the “remember when McDavid…” kind of thing.
If you’re watching this tournament, pay attention to McDavid. He’s owning the moment in a way only a handful of guys ever do. Cujo spotted it right away, and he’s not wrong. And honestly, if Canada gets gold out of this run, don’t overthink it — McDavid will be the headline.
Related: Brad Marchand Makes Eye-Opening Admission on Team Canada Role
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