Connor McDavid is great at a lot of things; skating really fast, scoring power play points, and having no poker face whatsoever during draft lotteries. But he still has a few things to learn entering his sixth season in the NHL.

For one, defense. McDavid arguably gives up as many goals as his line with Leon Draisaitl scores when they’re on the ice. Two Hart Trophy recipients need to be better than -2 at 5v5 together, surely. Auston Matthews, a noted exceptional two-way forward, has reportedly been putting McDavid under his wing as they train together in Toronto, a city.

Another, more important, part of life that McDavid clearly needs some pointers on is style. I’m sure you’ve seen McDavid’s new crib?

Beyond the fact that it looks like Darth Vader’s summer home, the house is so completely bleached of colour you have to think it’s the physical embodiment of playing for the Edmonton Oilers. Everything *looks* like it should be super cool and exciting, but after spending five minutes there, your heart is cold, your feet are cold, and there’s no point even owning a window.

Not to say black and white isn’t classy, it’s just that some can pull it off better than others.

Way better.

Sources: Baseball Annie

The Prospects

They said it couldn’t be done, but Mike Koster is on the first power play unit for Minnesota and scored a goal!

Ryan O’Connell scored his first goal of the season, too.

Mikhail Abramov continues to improve in the QMJHL.

A week ago, it was reported that Rodion Amirov might be signing a two-year contract with Ufa starting next season. European contracts have lots of clauses in it, so if this happens, it doesn’t rule him out from making the Leafs at any point. That said, Amirov is only a few months older than Nick Robertson and his path to the NHL probably won’t take two and a half more years.

Elsewhere in the NHL

The Bruins signed Jake DeBrusk to a two-year bridge deal.

Four players from the Vegas Golden Knights have recently tested positive for COVID-19.

27-year-old Josh Leivo struggled with injuries last season and thinks his new contract with the Calgary Flames will see him turn it around.

After a long, hard road, Josh Leivo looks forward to his...

Pop Quiz: What was Josh Leivo’s last season with the Maple Leafs?

2015-1620
2016-1774
2017-18151
2018-1991
From The Branches