Ranking the Best Potential Destinations for Connor McDavid

Center Connor McDavid of the OHL's Erie Otters is expected to be the first overall selection in the 2015 NHL draft. To date, however, there's been little discussion over the best potential destinations for the 18-year-old center.

McDavid has the talent to become the next great NHL superstar. The clubs on this list could certainly use a young franchise player upon which to rebuild. Factors such as fan and media pressure, market size, roster depth and his potential role must be considered when determining where McDavid could be best suited.

The following is a ranking of the eight best potential NHL destinations for McDavid, examining the pros and cons of each team. Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section. 

8. Toronto Maple Leafs

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On Feb. 7, McDavid caused hearts to flutter in Leafs Nation when the Toronto Sun's Mike Zeisberger reported the Newmarket, Ontario native said playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs would be “a dream come true.”

The Leafs lack a true first-line center, and McDavid could address that need. They're also expected to undergo a full rebuild this summer. McDavid could be the foundation upon which Leafs management attempts to construct a future Stanley Cup contender.

McDavid will face considerable pressure playing in the NHL's biggest market. The 18-year-old will be expected to reverse the fortunes of a team that hasn't won a championship since 1967 and made the playoffs once since 2004. If management fails to properly build around McDavid, his dream of playing for the Maple Leafs could become a nightmare.

7. Edmonton Oilers

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Between 2010 and 2012, the Oilers selected Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov with consecutive first overall picks. Each player has had varying degrees of success, but none comes with the potential skill set of McDavid.

If the Oilers win this year's draft lottery, McDavid will join a nucleus of young talent. Hall, Nugent-Hopkins, Yakupov, Jordan Eberle, Justin Schultz, Oscar Klefbom, Darnell Nurse and Leon Draisaitl are all 24 or younger. McDavid could be the key piece that helps the Oilers finally become a playoff contender.

The Oilers last made the playoffs in 2006 and haven't done a good job of building around their promising youngsters.  A poorly managed team that constantly changes coaches and lacks experienced roster depth might not be the best destination for an aspiring NHL superstar like McDavid. 

6. New Jersey Devils

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After missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, the New Jersey Devils are expected to engage in a roster rebuild this summer. NorthJersey.com's Tom Gulitti reports general manager Lou Lamoriello intends to seek scoring depth for his offensively anemic club this summer. 

Drafting McDavid could partially address that need, especially if he plays up to expectations. He could center one of the top two lines, taking pressure off struggling Travis Zajac and aging Patrik Elias.

Whether Lamoriello can properly build around McDavid is another story. NJ.com's Rich Chere noted the Devils GM made a series of bad decisions in recent years regarding free agents, as well as drafting and handling of the club's top prospects. The Devils have long been known as a strong defensive team. McDavid is primarily an offensive player and could experience difficulty adjusting to their style.

5. Philadelphia Flyers

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Having missed the playoffs twice in three years, the Philadelphia Flyers need a shake-up. The last time they landed a young franchise player on the same level as Connor McDavid was acquiring Eric Lindros in a trade with Quebec City in 1992.

Unlike his predecessors, general manager Ron Hextall seems intent on a patient rebuild with youth. McDavid would join a core of talented forwards led by captain Claude Giroux, Jakub Voracek, Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier. McDavid could start off as second-line center, avoiding the pressure of being on the first line.

Drafting McDavid, however, doesn't address the Flyers' need for a top-two defenseman. It could force Hextall to shop a forward or two in hopes of addressing that need. McDavid will face considerable pressure in the demanding Philadelphia hockey market.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets

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Injuries crippled the promising Columbus Blue Jackets' playoff hopes this season. As of April 2, Man Games Lost reports the Jackets led the league in man games lost to injury. Connor McDavid could become the first player selected by the Blue Jackets first overall since Rick Nash in 2002.

McDavid would join a Blue Jackets roster filled with good players 28 years old or younger. Since Ryan Johansen is their first-line center, McDavid could debut in the less demanding second-line center role. He wouldn't face as much pressure in Columbus as he would in bigger hockey markets like Toronto or Philadelphia.

The Jackets, however, have a number of centers in Johansen, Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Mark Letestu, Alexander Wennberg and Boone Jenner. Their most pressing need is to bolster their defense. Not that Jackets management would object to landing McDavid, but he won't improve the defense corps.

3. Carolina Hurricanes

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The Carolina Hurricanes last reached the playoffs in 2009. They're long overdue for a roster rebuild, and it will likely commence this summer under first-year general manager Ron Francis. They're among this season's lowest-scoring teams and need an offensive boost.

Connor McDavid could certainly help improve their scoring punch. He could become the heir apparent to franchise player Eric Staal, who's eligible for unrestricted free agency in July 2016. The Carolina hockey market isn't as demanding as larger markets, so the fanbase could be quite patient with McDavid's development.

Adding McDavid could raise questions about Eric Staal's future with the franchise, though. His addition could also affect Eric's brother (and Hurricanes' second-line center) Jordan Staal's role. Given the Hurricanes' limited cap space for next season, Francis could face some difficulty building a competitive roster around McDavid. 

2. Buffalo Sabres

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The Buffalo Sabres were awful this season. General manager Tim Murray gutted the roster in hopes of rebuilding from the ground up. On Feb. 12, The Hockey News' Ken Campbell reported Murray's efforts created the impression the Sabres tanked the season to improve their chances of winning the draft lottery.

The Sabres desperately need a true franchise player like McDavid. He would join a young team, as Murray has stockpiled draft picks, prospects and promising young players. Buffalo could use some of them as trade bait to land more experienced talent to help McDavid. The Sabres also have salary-cap space to invest in adding skilled veterans.

While Murray has proved he can successfully tear down a roster, it remains to be seen if he can effectively rebuild one. Though the Sabres are in one of the NHL's smallest markets, their fans are passionate. McDavid will face considerable pressure as the golden child expected to lead this club to the promised land. 

1. Arizona Coyotes

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The Arizona Coyotes still face an uncertain future in Glendale. As per Fox Sports Arizona's Craig Morgan, ownership could exercise an out clause in its arena lease agreement if the club accumulates more than $50 million in losses by 2017. ESPN.com reports the Coyotes' attendance ranks among this season's worst. 

Connor McDavid could be the player who saves NHL hockey in Arizona. General manager Don Maloney has several promising prospects in his system, notably McDavid's former Team Canada teammates Max Domi and Anthony Duclair. The Coyotes also possess good young roster talent in Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Mikkel Boedker.

McDavid won't face the type of fan or media pressure in Arizona that he would elsewhere. Still, the burden of carrying the franchise's future in the current market could be daunting. If he cannot significantly improve the Coyotes, they could face relocation. Maloney still must find some decent veteran talent to guide McDavid through his early years.