"Toronto guys are pathetic, keep dreaming": NHL fans react as Connor McDavid recalls receiving Maple Leafs jersey for Christmas

Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid’s recent recollection of a childhood Christmas gift has reignited one of the NHL’s most persistent debates drawing sharp reactions from fans across the league especially in Toronto.

Speaking on Sportsnet’s After Hours on Saturday, McDavid was asked by Kelly Hrudey about some of his favorite Christmas presents growing up. During the exchange, the Oilers captain casually mentioned that his father once bought him a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey with his name on it.

“Like a Canadian household, everything was hockey. My dad got me a Sidney Crosby jersey, lot of sticks, a Leafs #97 McDavid jersey. (I) always (wore it) on the pond,” McDavid said smiling as he recalled the gifts.

The moment circulated rapidly on X prompting a wave of reactions from NHL fans many of whom interpreted the comment as fresh fuel for long-running speculation about McDavid’s alleged ties to Toronto.

Several fans were quick to dismiss the idea pointing out that the Leafs jersey was not exactly framed as a defining childhood memory. One reaction noted that it was “the third thing he mentioned, way down the list of his ‘favourite’ presents” suggesting the moment was being overblown.

Others were far less charitable toward Leafs supporters.

“You Toronto guys are so pathetic keep dreaming 😂😂😂,” wrote one user.

The discussion also expanded beyond Toronto with fans from other markets weighing in. One commenter drew a comparison to future scenarios writing:

“This is how desperate Canucks fans gonna look in 10 years when Celebrini talks about being a Canucks fan growing up while in his 12th season as a Shark.”

Another fan joked that McDavid “would go to San Jose before the Leafs” adding to the skepticism surrounding any hypothetical Toronto move.

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Connor McDavid opines on team trajectory this season

During the same After Hours segment, Connor McDavid also spoke about where the Oilers stand as they head toward the new year.

Despite a 3-2 loss to the Calgary Flames on Saturday, Edmonton has shown clear progress over the past month. The Oilers went 8-4-1 in December and have begun to move past the slow starts that have hurt them in recent seasons.

Much of that turnaround has been driven by McDavid himself. After a quiet start to the year, the Oilers captain caught fire, recording 31 points in 11 games before the Christmas break.

“I feel great. I really do,” McDavid said when asked about his form and the team’s direction. “I feel like our team is really starting to come and individuals around are starting to play really well, and all of it is pointing in the right direction. But I do feel great. I’m feeling really confident.”

McDavid had already surged to the top of the NHL scoring race before Christmas becoming the first player since the 1995-96 season to surpass 65 points prior to December 25. Through 39 games, he has recorded 24 goals and 68 points production that reflects the familiar vintage McDavid Oilers fans have come to expect.

He is also riding a 12-game point streak during which he has amassed 13 goals and 19 assists. McDavid currently leads the league in assists and sits among the NHL’s elite in overall scoring.

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Edited by Anjum Rajonno