Edmonton Oilers

Finding McDavid’s Perfect Partners at the 4 Nations Face-Off

When the 4 Nation Face-Off comes early next year, who should be Connor McDavid’s line-mates? What do the hockey analysts say?

by
Old Prof
December 12, 2024

On Take Your Pick, the Wednesday Night Hockey panel tackled intriguing questions, including who the Ottawa Senators should focus on building their team around and who would be the ideal linemates for Connor McDavid at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Analysts shared their thoughts, and the debate offered insights into how McDavid could thrive in this international showcase.

Hockey Analysts Weigh in on McDavid and His Potential Linemates

During the conversation about the 4 Nations Face-Off, the panel debated the best line-mates for Connor McDavid. Several names stood out as top choices:

Luke Gazdic suggested pairing McDavid with Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart. The reasoning? Bennett brings grit and familiarity, having grown up playing with McDavid in Toronto, while Reinhart adds playmaking ability on the right side. This trio could combine McDavid’s speed and creativity with linemates who can finish plays and provide secondary scoring threats.

Justin Bourne opted for Brayden Point alongside Reinhart. They argued that Point’s speed and playmaking would complement McDavid’s dynamic skill set, creating a high-octane line capable of dominating offensively. While one of these natural centers would have to play on the wing, the synergy between McDavid and Point could result in unmatched scoring production.

Connor McDavid Sam Bennett 4 Nations — Connor McDavid and Sam Bennett together as linemates at the 4 Nations Tournament?

Sam Cosentino chose Sam Bennett for his childhood connection to McDavid and paired him with Mitch Marner, a creative playmaker. The idea was to add grit and speed on the left side with Bennett while utilizing Marner’s elite vision and passing to maximize McDavid’s opportunities. This combination balances grit, skill, and familiarity for McDavid.

The Bottom Line: What is the Blueprint for Success at the 4 Nations Face-Off

The debate about McDavid’s linemates reflects the challenge of finding players who can match his elite skill and speed. Whether it’s the grit and chemistry of Sam Bennett, the scoring touch of Sam Reinhart, or the playmaking brilliance of Mitch Marner, each option provides a unique advantage.

Ultimately, McDavid’s success will depend on building a line that enhances his abilities while maintaining balance and versatility. As the panel speculated, any of these combinations could create a dominant line capable of excelling in international competition. With the right mix, McDavid and his linemates could put on a show that reminds the hockey world why he’s the best player.