J.S. Giguere says McDavid should have gone to accept Conn Smythe Trophy

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Cooper Godin
July 11, 2024 (6:20 PM)

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Former NHL goaltender J.S. Giguere believes that Connor McDavid should have gone to accept the Conn Smythe Trophy after their Game 7 loss to Florida.

On a recent edition of the 'Leafs Morning Take' podcast, Giguere, who knows exactly how McDavid felt in that moment, said that the Edmonton Oilers captain would have shown great respect to the game of hockey by going back onto the ice to be presented with the Conn Smythe Trophy last month.

"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." Giguere said.

He added, "It's something, you know, it would have showed kids I guess that winning or losing, you still present yourself the right away 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."

Giguere was in the exact same position as Connor McDavid back in 2003 after the New Jersey Devils defeated the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Despite the loss, Giguere went to take a picture with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and accepted the trophy before departing the ice.

It's understandable as to why Connor McDavid didn't go back onto the ice to accept the Conn Smythe Trophy. He was clearly upset and not happy that his team just lost their best chance to win a Stanley Cup during his tenure with the organization, but Giguere may have a point as it would have shown great respect to the game of hockey.

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JUILLET 11 \| 188 ANSWERS J.S. Giguere says McDavid should have gone to accept Conn Smythe Trophy Do you think McDavid should have gone onto the ice to accept the trophy?
Yes	97	51.6 %
No	91	48.4 %
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