Connor McDavid should be 2020 Masterton winner. No doubt.

[Krewe]

Imagine working your ass off to complete a super intense rehab and a bunch of ignorant people yelling from their couch at you that it couldn't have been that hard because you succeeded and didn't miss a game. What absolute backwards logic.

No one has said that.

 

[CloutierForVezina]

No one has said that.

Literally in this thread (I'll strip out names because I don't want to single out individual posters):

if he missed no games and returned without missing a beat it was not career threatening. Stop.

Dude gets injured in the last game of the season, has the whole summer for recovery and doesn't affect him in anyway.

If that was any other player it would be a non story.

Some random propaganda piece about McDavids recovery by the canadian hype media doesn't mean **** to me. It probably convinces the media but come on. The guy didn't even miss a game .

It is weird. Kid gets hurt, kid does rehab like anyone would for an injury, young kid recovers and doesn't miss a single game. But somehow it's made into this weird hype thing. I mean it's good he got healthy again, but it's an injury that a lot heal from and with medicine and training the way it is now, the time he had off is definitely what would happen with what he did - recover completely.

A lot of people are really focusing on the fact that he didn't miss a game as a way to diminish the severity of the injury and the work he put in over the summer.

 

[iCanada]

Here is my antidotal take.

2012 - I recieved my 4th concussion backchecking a much larger forward who lost his balance, took my down and my head smashed on the ice. One of the top concussion specialist in Toronto recommended I quit hockey (I did for 3 years). Every time my head gets touched I get worried. My wife can't grab my head to give me a kiss or I get a severe headache. I was hit by a weak volleyball serve and it took me out for a week and I was uncontrollably miserable. When it was fresh if I turned my head to quick I would get headaches. This isn't something I would wish om anyone.

2016 - a year after starting to play hockey I took a bad fall and tore my MCL (grade 2) and damaged my meniscus. I was in a brace for 6 months and had an addtional 8 months of rehab. It sucked.

If I had to choose one of the 2 injuries to have again, it is the MCL 10 times out of 10. Its not even a question Not even close.

As someone who has had a concussion before, I agree that getting a concussion is worse and likely has a more profound impact on your day to day life than a catastrophic knee injury. It's likely more painful and a harder injury to manage going forward through the rest of your life. I've been there; I've literally passed out in pain and vertigo from trying to do basic addition.

As awful as "rehabbing" w concussion is, it's a passive process that happens regardless of someone's will or dedication. Rest is the primary treatment for the acute symptoms of concussion, and there is no proof anything else even does as much as give a placebo effect. If you don't believe me, believe the scientific research;

Rehabilitation of Concussion and Post-concussion Syndrome

My experience rehabbing a concussion largely was just being high on pain killers and sleeping for a couple months until I could think properly. I wasn't pressing and pushing and willing, I had given up and was waiting to die. It sucked. A lot.

Compare to McDavid who did 10 hrs a day for 5 of months pushing himself and his body to the limit and not overstepping to make a 2 year recovery time 5 months. He lived and breathed being able to play on opening night all day every day all summer. You can't compare the two. Would I rather be rehabbing my knee than a concussion? Absolutely. If I was rehabbing my knee, could I do it like McDavid did? Probably not. But I certainly could and did rehab my concussion the exact same way Sidney Crosby, and even Johns did. And while getting back to the gym after all your muscles have decayed and weakened sucks, it's not the same as trying to get back through an injured muscle.

I think it makes sense for McDavid to win. He showed incredible will, fortitude, and dedication in his rehab process. He took a risk because of his love of the game, and refused to miss action. It's remarkable. The dude is basically not even human. I think McDavid should win the Masterton.

 

[Krewe]

Literally in this thread (I'll strip out names because I don't want to single out individual posters):









A lot of people are really focusing on the fact that he didn't miss a game as a way to diminish the severity of the injury and the work he put in over the summer.

I’m aware people focus on not missing games. But no one has said it wasn’t hard. I’ve torn tendons in sports before. It sucks. But some people are taking it the other way and making it out like this is on the same level as Crosby’s concussions or stamkos’s legs which impacted multiple seasons and had more of an impact on their careers.

He got injured. He worked hard to come back and luckily did not miss any games. Kudos to him but the posters saying he deserves the masterton or comeback award “AINEC” are shortsighted

 

[HugginThePost]

Honestly, I really do not care about most of the "media" voted awards. I like the Lindsey because the players vote, and I think it should be that way with every award.
End of the day there is only one trophy that really matters and that is the SC.

Let's be honest here......all awards that are handed out with the critera being an "opinion", are not to be taken too seriously.

You don't think that the players vote with their own set of biases? Of course they do. If that player plays with one of the nominated guys, of course they are going to vote for them.

And yes, the only award that matters is the Stanley Cup. Even the Conn Smythe has proven to be a questionable award in the past.

I'm sure if 100 players were polled. 100 would say they'd take the Stanley Cup over any other individual award.......unless substantial bonuses are riding on another trophy.

 

[Bank Shot]

I’m aware people focus on not missing games. But no one has said it wasn’t hard. I’ve torn tendons in sports before. It sucks. But some people are taking it the other way and making it out like this is on the same level as Crosby’s concussions or stamkos’s legs which impacted multiple seasons and had more of an impact on their careers.

He got injured. He worked hard to come back and luckily did not miss any games. Kudos to him but the posters saying he deserves the masterton or comeback award “AINEC” are shortsighted

If Dubnyk can get it for just bouncing back from a bad season, I think the door is pretty open for McDavid to win it in this case.

 

[Sam Spade]

#McDavidkneeinjuryfatigue

 

[HugginThePost]

As someone who has had a concussion before, I agree that getting a concussion is worse and likely has a more profound impact on your day to day life than a catastrophic knee injury. It's likely more painful and a harder injury to manage going forward through the rest of your life. I've been there; I've literally passed out in pain and vertigo from trying to do basic addition.

As awful as "rehabbing" w concussion is, it's a passive process that happens regardless of someone's will or dedication. Rest is the primary treatment for the acute symptoms of concussion, and there is no proof anything else even does as much as give a placebo effect. If you don't believe me, believe the scientific research;

Rehabilitation of Concussion and Post-concussion Syndrome

My experience rehabbing a concussion largely was just being high on pain killers and sleeping for a couple months until I could think properly. I wasn't pressing and pushing and willing, I had given up and was waiting to die. It sucked. A lot.

Compare to McDavid who did 10 hrs a day for 5 of months pushing himself and his body to the limit and not overstepping to make a 2 year recovery time 5 months. He lived and breathed being able to play on opening night all day every day all summer. You can't compare the two. Would I rather be rehabbing my knee than a concussion? Absolutely. If I was rehabbing my knee, could I do it like McDavid did? Probably not. But I certainly could and did rehab my concussion the exact same way Sidney Crosby, and even Johns did. And while getting back to the gym after all your muscles have decayed and weakened sucks, it's not the same as trying to get back through an injured muscle.

I think it makes sense for McDavid to win. He showed incredible will, fortitude, and dedication in his rehab process. He took a risk because of his love of the game, and refused to miss action. It's remarkable. The dude is basically not even human. I think McDavid should win the Masterton.

I too have suffered several concussions in my life time, and it has wreaked havoc on my life.

I read your story and was reminded of all the horrible days I had to get through, and the desperation that one feels.

And to that, I was absolutely stunned when you said it must have been harder for McDavid to endure 5 months of physical therapy.

In your own words you mentioned "waiting to die", having felt that way, can you really imagine that doing physical activity is worse than that?

Physically, of course, but what about the mental toll it took??

There were so many days when I was laying in bed, in a dark room, wishing...hell begging....that I could be up doing some physical activity.

I truly am shocked at your take on this.

And for the record, yes, I have gone through several bouts of physical therapy. The first at 17 with a shattered knee that required 3 surgeries to put back together.

Give me the horrific, painful, PT any day.

 

[JT Kreider]

 

[Bedards Dad]

As someone who has had a concussion before, I agree that getting a concussion is worse and likely has a more profound impact on your day to day life than a catastrophic knee injury. It's likely more painful and a harder injury to manage going forward through the rest of your life. I've been there; I've literally passed out in pain and vertigo from trying to do basic addition.

As awful as "rehabbing" w concussion is, it's a passive process that happens regardless of someone's will or dedication. Rest is the primary treatment for the acute symptoms of concussion, and there is no proof anything else even does as much as give a placebo effect. If you don't believe me, believe the scientific research;

Rehabilitation of Concussion and Post-concussion Syndrome

My experience rehabbing a concussion largely was just being high on pain killers and sleeping for a couple months until I could think properly. I wasn't pressing and pushing and willing, I had given up and was waiting to die. It sucked. A lot.

Compare to McDavid who did 10 hrs a day for 5 of months pushing himself and his body to the limit and not overstepping to make a 2 year recovery time 5 months. He lived and breathed being able to play on opening night all day every day all summer. You can't compare the two. Would I rather be rehabbing my knee than a concussion? Absolutely. If I was rehabbing my knee, could I do it like McDavid did? Probably not. But I certainly could and did rehab my concussion the exact same way Sidney Crosby, and even Johns did. And while getting back to the gym after all your muscles have decayed and weakened sucks, it's not the same as trying to get back through an injured muscle.

I think it makes sense for McDavid to win. He showed incredible will, fortitude, and dedication in his rehab process. He took a risk because of his love of the game, and refused to miss action. It's remarkable. The dude is basically not even human. I think McDavid should win the Masterton.

I can't say I agree with your final take. Yes what McDavid did was very challeneging. I have been there, my know haad 2 degrees of movement (3* to 5* ) when when the brace came off. After 8 months I got it to -10* to 120*. The pain of trying ot get those first few degrees was excrutiating. but at no point did I think about becoming a vegetable when I was 60 and not being able to remember who my daoughter was. At no point did I want to curl up in a ball and forget about life. Physical pain is very challeneging, the mental aspect of a concussion is on a different level.

 

[iCanada]

I can't say I agree with your final take. Yes what McDavid did was very challeneging. I have been there, my know haad 2 degrees of movement (3* to 5* ) when when the brace came off. After 8 months I got it to -10* to 120*. The pain of trying ot get those first few degrees was excrutiating. but at no point did I think about becoming a vegetable when I was 60 and not being able to remember who my daoughter was. At no point did I want to curl up in a ball and forget about life. Physical pain is very challeneging, the mental aspect of a concussion is on a different level.

Is it a different level? You have a kid who is the best in the game that loves the game more than anything seeing all his hopes and dreams fleeting in front of his eyes over something he has no control over.

That's a depressing thing, and to a driven career motivated person that's probably his biggest fear in the entire world. It's having his entire purpose and identity stripped from him. While it's not the same in the Grand scheme of life to not remembering your daughter's name at 60 yrs old, in the moment as a 22 year old kid, it's everything.

I guarantee that there was an unimaginable amount of mental anguish. Notably because as a young engineer, the thought of losing my entire purpose and identity was what hurt the most recovering from my concussion. Worse than anything else.

 

[HugginThePost]

Is it a different level? You have a kid who is the best in the game that loves the game more than anything seeing all his hopes and dreams fleeting in front of his eyes over something he has no control over.

That's a depressing thing, and to a driven career motivated person that's probably his biggest fear in the entire world. It's having his entire purpose and identity stripped from him. While it's not the same in the Grand scheme of life to not remembering your daughter's name at 60 yrs old, in the moment as a 22 year old kid, it's everything.

I guarantee that there was an unimaginable amount of mental anguish. Notably because as a young engineer, the thought of losing my entire purpose and identity was what hurt the most recovering from my concussion. Worse than anything else.

This will sound callous, and I don't mean for it to. I would never joke or down play anyone's mental state.

But don't you think a lot of that "fear" was alleviated by having over a $100mm in the bank?

I too am an engineer, and with my CTE issues it's been a constant struggle to stay at the top of my game. I work crazy hours for 28 days, but then I'm afforded 28 days off to re-coup.

And so,me of those days are spent alone in a room in the dark. I' about to turn 50......and I can only imagine it's going to get worse.

I'd imagine if you, or I, had $100mm in the bank, our worries would be much less.

Again, I'm not downplaying a knee injury that McDavid made an amazing recovery from.

Maybe I can make the point better with a hypothetical.

Instead of the knee injury, let's say he took a puck to the head after his helmet had fallen off. He suffered a fractured skull and a massive concussion.

For the first month he had to spend his days in bed in a dark room where the slightest noise could cause incredible amounts of pain.

Which injury do you think he'd rather be treating? One that you can actually do something about? Or one in which you have absolutely no control over?

 

[Bedards Dad]

Is it a different level? You have a kid who is the best in the game that loves the game more than anything seeing all his hopes and dreams fleeting in front of his eyes over something he has no control over.

That's a depressing thing, and to a driven career motivated person that's probably his biggest fear in the entire world. It's having his entire purpose and identity stripped from him. While it's not the same in the Grand scheme of life to not remembering your daughter's name at 60 yrs old, in the moment as a 22 year old kid, it's everything.

I guarantee that there was an unimaginable amount of mental anguish. Notably because as a young engineer, the thought of losing my entire purpose and identity was what hurt the most recovering from my concussion. Worse than anything else.

Yes, different level. No one is saying what Connor went through was easy, it was a major challenege and 100% deserving of the award. What I am saying is having been through both injuries, one is a challenge and difficult, the other is terrifying and litterally can change who you are as a person.

Connor also has a massive amount of money in the bank and is set at the age of 22. Johns is a fringe player who lost 2 years of his career to something that can litterally end your life. You are also acting like hockey wasn't Johns entire world as well. One being better than the other has no barring on how important the sport is to them.

Both are tough, one is just more difficult than the other. Again I have been through both so I am just giving my account.

 

[SensontheRush]

I feel people are ignoring that Johns has only played one game this season. Sure, he's a great story; however, I'm sure there are plenty of players that have been in a situation similar to his.

 

[Legionnaire11]

I feel people are ignoring that Johns has only played one game this season. Sure, he's a great story; however, I'm sure there are plenty of players that have been in a situation similar to his.

He was only just cleared the week prior to the ASG. He played a game with Texas on conditioning assignment, then was called up for the only game the Stars had before the ASG. If they didn't have their bye-week and all-star break, he'd have played in 3-4 games now. His numbers will pick up over the final 30 games.

 

[SensontheRush]

He was only just cleared the week prior to the ASG. He played a game with Texas on conditioning assignment, then was called up for the only game the Stars had before the ASG. If they didn't have their bye-week and all-star break, he'd have played in 3-4 games now. His numbers will pick up over the final 30 games.

If every other trophy in Hockey considers game played, so too should the Masterton. Obviously we should consider EXTRAORDINARY cases, but I would argue that Johns' case is not that.

 

[Bedards Dad]

If every other trophy in Hockey considers game played, so too should the Masterton. Obviously we should consider EXTRAORDINARY cases, but I would argue that Johns' case is not that.

It isnt the who recovered the fastest award. Since being cleared after a concussion that was bad enough to side line him for 2 years, he has played every eligible game.

What shouldn't be considered for this award is the name on the back of the jersey.

 

[Legionnaire11]

If every other trophy in Hockey considers game played, so too should the Masterton. Obviously we should consider EXTRAORDINARY cases, but I would argue that Johns' case is not that.

He'll have 30+ games if he finishes the season. There is some precedent among past winners:

2017 - Craig Anderson - 40 games
2013 - Josh Harding - 7 games (5 NHL)
2011 - Ian Laperriere - 0 games
2009 - Steve Sullivan - 41 games
2003 - Steve Yzerman - 16 games
2002 - Saku Koivu - 3 games
1999 - John Cullen - 10 games (4 NHL)
1996 - Gary Roberts - 35 games
1995 - Pat LaFontaine - 22 games
1992 - Mark Fitzpatrick - 30 games
1990 - Gord Kluzak - 8 games

Prior to that the trophy was given out mostly to players who were at the end of lengthy careers. If they still did that then we should be debating Chara, Thornton and Marleau.

 

[Bedards Dad]

He'll have 30+ games if he finishes the season. There is some precedent among past winners:

2017 - Craig Anderson - 40 games
2013 - Josh Harding - 7 games (5 NHL)
2011 - Ian Laperriere - 0 games
2009 - Steve Sullivan - 41 games
2003 - Steve Yzerman - 16 games
2002 - Saku Koivu - 3 games
1999 - John Cullen - 10 games (4 NHL)
1996 - Gary Roberts - 35 games
1995 - Pat LaFontaine - 22 games
1992 - Mark Fitzpatrick - 30 games
1990 - Gord Kluzak - 8 games

Prior to that the trophy was given out mostly to players who were at the end of lengthy careers. If they still did that then we should be debating Chara, Thornton and Marleau.

So what your saying is 30% of winners have less than half a season played. Looks like games played isnt a factor.

 

[TheOrangeDesk]

And did the run on national media during a big event ? I don't remember that. The McDavid thing is main news on big hockey media sites and thats because he's McDavid. I mean good for him but because he's McDavid he gets more attention than other guys bouncing back from worse injuries .

This is amazing. Serp is mad that Fedun didnt have a story, and when someone points out HE DID, he deflects and asks why it wasn't national coverage. McDavid is the best player in the world, of course his story will get more coverage than a#6 Dman (and I really like Fedun by the way), also the McDavid story was made because he did something that has never been done before by a pro-athlete (rehabbing a completely torn PCL instead of surgery .

 

[Riddum]

I hope he wins as many trophies as possible while he can because once his knees are shot, by the time he reaches his late 20s/early 30s, he'll be done like Bure.

 

[member 290103]

lol, this keeps getting better. What’s next? Maybe he can get a 60 minutes interview? I mean holy crow! He rehabbed a knee in the offseason and returned without missing one game. Unprecedented!

 

[Coffey]

lol, this keeps getting better. What’s next? Maybe he can get a 60 minutes interview? I mean holy crow! He rehabbed a knee in the offseason and returned without missing one game. Unprecedented!

You sound frustrated because Americans can watch this documentary?

Canuck fans gotta be the most petty when it comes to anything McDavid related on HF. Especially those that have McDavid in their username.

 

[member 290103]

You sound frustrated because Americans can watch this documentary?

Canuck fans gotta be the most petty when it comes to anything McDavid related on HF. Especially those that have McDavid in their username.

just think the whole thing is a complete crock of shit. The Masterton to McDavid. Good lord.

 

[SensontheRush]

It isnt the who recovered the fastest award. Since being cleared after a concussion that was bad enough to side line him for 2 years, he has played every eligible game.

What shouldn't be considered for this award is the name on the back of the jersey.

McDavid isnt just some name on the back of the jersey. Connor has MADE his name into something. Frankly, I don't even watch the Oilers outside of when they play the Sens, so I'm not really vested in him as a player.