Connor McDavid's Comments About Auston Matthews Catch a Lot of Fans by Surprise

In an interview with Sportsnet, McDavid was asked about his fellow NHL star, rival and off-season friend, Auston Matthews, becoming captain of his hometown hockey team. Not only did McDavid oblige and answer the question, he did so thoughtfully and really gave Matthews a glowing endorsement.

The two played together briefly as members of Team North America during the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Since then, they've been linked, often committing to being training partners in the offseason. The two have been spotted hanging out together as friends away from the rink or working out in the gym and on the ice in Toronto on multiple occasions. This, of course, has led to the endless speculation that one day, McDavid will come home, much to the chagrin of Oilers fans. Still, until he signs an extension with the Oilers, we can dream.

Hockey players are often very polite during interviews and speak well of their peers, but this does mean a little more. It's not every day that the best player in the world thinks the world of you and says as much when he doesn't have to.

Source: Reddit
McDavid and Matthews at dinner