Years before Connor McDavid rose to NHL stardom as the Edmonton Oilers’ first overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, he was part of a notably unexpected selection in another league’s draft. In 2014, while still playing for the Erie Otters in the OHL, the then-17-year-old McDavid was chosen 77th overall by Medvescak Zagreb in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) draft, a surprising placement considering his later NHL status.
Reasons Behind McDavid’s Late Selection in the KHL Draft
Medvescak Zagreb, a Croatian team competing in the mostly Russian-based KHL, used a later draft spot to claim the rights to McDavid. This strategy was common among KHL franchises that selected emerging NHL talents with the understanding they were unlikely to join the league soon. Holding such rights allowed teams like Medvescak the opportunity to negotiate with those players should their NHL careers falter.
Other North American NHL Stars Also Drafted by KHL Teams
Connor McDavid was not alone as one of the North American stars picked by KHL teams in late rounds. Stanley Cup champions Nathan MacKinnon and Aaron Ekblad were selected by the KHL’s Vityaz Podolsk in 2011 and 2013, respectively. However, none of these players eventually moved to the KHL, continuing to build successful careers in the NHL.
Medvescak’s Rights and Subsequent Departure from the KHL
Medvescak’s claim to McDavid’s rights expired in 2019 when he turned 22, by which time the franchise itself had already exited the KHL in 2017 to join the Balkan International Hockey League (IHL). This sequence highlighted the practical limitations of such draft rights when applied to players firmly established in the NHL.
Comparison with North American Sports’ Player Reservation Systems
The KHL’s approach resembles systems used in other North American sports, particularly in Major League Soccer (MLS). MLS teams maintain discovery rights for key international players they may want to sign in the future, giving them exclusive negotiation priority. Even if players sign elsewhere, the initial team is often compensated financially. For example, when Marco Reus joined the L.A. Galaxy, the club paid FC Charlotte $40,000 for his discovery rights.
Reflecting on Connor McDavid’s Draft History
Connor McDavid’s unusual journey through the KHL draft underscores the different methods leagues use to stake claims on emerging talent. While his KHL rights never translated into a move overseas, the draft reveals the extensive scouting and strategic planning global teams invest to position themselves ahead of unfolding professional careers. McDavid’s case is a reminder of how early promise can be recognized—even in unexpected places—before true success unfolds.