Connor McDavid Brings Back an Old Friend

Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid has always been known for his blazing speed, elite puck handling, and unmatched hockey IQ. Recently, however, it's not just his skills and production that are making headlines, but his decision to bring back an old favorite in his equipment arsenal—the CCM Super Tacks hockey stick, originally released at retail in 2016.

For years, McDavid continued using the original Super Tacks long after its production cycle ended. Something that is not common among NHL players who typically gravitate toward the latest technology, or at the very least, the most recent graphics. Eventually, he transitioned to CCM's JetSpeed model sticks, which became his go-to for a number of seasons. However, in a game against the Seattle Kraken at the beginning of this month, McDavid officially returned to his trusty Super Tacks stick. Reigniting discussions among fans and equipment enthusiasts alike.

While some initially found the switch surprising, a deeper dive into McDavid's history with the Super Tacks reveals that this move might not be as shocking as it seems. McDavid's longstanding affinity for this particular stick is well-documented, making his decision to bring it back feel more like a return to his roots rather than an experiment.

One aspect of this switch by McDavid is particularly intriguing. The Super Tacks sticks he resumed using feature his old blade curve—the very same one he used for several seasons across his junior days with the Erie Otters and in his early NHL years. This suggests that the driving force behind the switch isn't nostalgia, but rather a strategic effort to rediscover the feel and control he once had with that old curve.

McDavid's decision became even more clear during his recent suspension, where he was spotted at practice experimenting with a few additional different sticks that had different graphics. All of them of course, featuring his familiar blade pattern. First, he was seen using sticks with the CCM Super Tacks AS4 Pro design, and later with the new JetSpeed FT7 Pro model, both customized with his old curve. This experimentation all but confirmed that McDavid's return to the Super Tacks isn't just about the stick's design or even its build, but his unwavering confidence in a curve that complements his unique playing style.

At first, the argument for potential other reasons behind his decision could’ve certainly been made. Perhaps McDavid missed the classic graphics and design of the original Super Tacks, or maybe he preferred specific older technology or a certain build that came with them. However, with repeated sightings of his preferred curve on various stick models, it's evident that his focus is on the blade, first and foremost. 

As McDavid prepares to return from suspension, fans and hockey equipment enthusiasts will be closely watching to see how this switch impacts his performance. Will the return to his old curve bring back an even more dominant version of McDavid? Only time will tell, but for what it’s worth, he has eleven points in eight games since the switch thus far. 

For now, the return of the Super Tacks stick adds an exciting subplot to McDavid's season, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the game's greatest talents and his pursuit of perfection.

Photo Credit: Derek Cain