The Edmonton Oilers' attempt at coming back from a 3-0 series deficit in the Stanley Cup Final fell short with a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7, and despite the loss, Connor McDavid still came away with the Conn Smythe Trophy for his efforts in these playoffs. Widely considered the best player in the NHL, McDavid drew praise from his teammate Leon Draisaitl after the game.

“He's the greatest player to ever play in my books,” Leon Draisaitl said, via Derek Van Diest of NHL.com. “There are so many things that people don't see that he does. He single-handedly turned our franchise around, pretty much. I just love sharing the ice with him and he's a really, really special person.”

It is a big claim, but Connor McDavid might go down as the greatest one day. For many, he will have to win a Stanley Cup for the Oilers in his career to be in that consideration. Completing a 3-0 comeback would have been a huge plus for McDavid's legacy, but ultimately it was not meant to be. There will likely still be plenty of chances for McDavid to get that first Stanley Cup.

Connor McDavid's playoff performance for the Oilers should be remembered

Still, a playoff run that includes eight goals and 34 assists for 42 points in just 25 games is legendary and should be recognized. It is tough to deny that he deserves the Conn Smythe, despite being on the losing end. Draisaitl spoke on what McDavid likely feels about being given the Conn Smythe award.

“I don't think he cares,” Draisaidl said, via Van Diest. “It speaks to how amazing of a hockey player he is. There is no player in the world that wants to win a Stanley Cup more than him, and he does everything right every single day just to win it one day. It's hard, especially him being sad and being disappointed.”

Draisaitl had a quiet series, coming up with just three assists and scoring no goals. It was a disappointing series for him, and he could have made a difference if he had produced more offense.

As for McDavid's career playoff performance, no one can say he has not showed up. He has played 74 games, scoring 37 goals with 80 assists for 117 points, according to NHL.com. If he keeps performing at this level in the postseason, it would be a surprise if McDavid does not add at least one Stanley Cup to his resume.

McDavid said it was an honor to be given the Conn Smythe, and he credited the Panthers for playing great defense.

“We knew it was going to be tight, Game 7 for the Cup,” McDavid said, via Van Diest. “We knew it was going to be a real tight game and it was going to come down to one thing here or there. We're an inch away from going ahead 2-1 before they go ahead 2-1. It's tough. They do a good job of shutting things down and we had our looks. We just didn't find it.”

The Oilers figure to look very similar going into next season, and it will be interesting to see if McDavid can add his first Stanley Cup after coming so close this time around.