Connor McDavid gets bluntly honest about Olympic rink size controversy

Connor McDavid did not add fuel to the growing Olympic rink debate. Construction delays and measurement concerns have followed the Milan-Cortina hockey venue. Reports confirmed the rink is more than three feet shorter than the agreed-upon NHL standards. Despite that, the IIHF approved the adjusted surface, raising questions across the sport.

Before Saturday's Game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, when asked about the ice size issue, he shut it down quickly. His response was clear and direct.

"I don’t care. No, not a big deal," McDavid said. "I mean, obviously, you want the ice to be good. You’d like the ice quality to be good. The size of it doesn’t matter."

McDavid's only focus is on ice quality and how it plays. So, from his view, the issue is not worth worrying about.

McDavid also talked about the excitement around the Olympics as it continues to build before the February tournament. Players across the league feel it, especially those pushing for roster spots.

"Yeah, I’m excited," McDavid said. "I think everybody is. It kind of seems to be on the back of everyone’s mind, whether you’re going or think you have a chance to go. You’ve seen guys get off to great starts, pushing for spots all across the league. It’s been fun to watch."

The Four Nations tournament, which was held in February 2025, helped fuel that excitement. McDavid, who scored five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in it along with the golden goal, called it an appetizer for the Olympics.

"Yeah, of course, Four Nations was kind of the appetizer to what the Olympics could be," McDavid said. "I’m really excited about it."

So clearly, that experience has left Connor McDavid eager for a bigger stage. His golden goal at the 2025 Four Nations event helped lift Canada past the United States in overtime. That moment drew instant comparisons to past Olympic legends, like Sidney Crosby's golden goal at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010.

Connor McDavid's impressive two-goal night against Leafs

Connor McDavid backed his words with action on Saturday night against the Maple Leafs. He scored twice and added an assist in a 6-3 win. The performance extended his point streak to five games (15 points).

His first goal showed his trademark speed as he scored just 03:25 minutes into the game. McDavid split the defense and beat the goalie with a forehand move. He continues to lead the league in assists (33) and remains among the top goal scorers with 18.

With Olympic questions on the rise, Connor McDavid is aiming for Olympic gold, no matter the rink size.