Connor McDavid is looking forward to the Edmonton Oilers' game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, saying "it means more" to play his boyhood team in his hometown.
"It doesn't matter how many times you come back here, it's always a special building to me," McDavid, who was born just north of Toronto in Richmond Hill, said about Scotiabank Arena during Friday's meeting with reporters, according to TSN.
"I was a Leafs fan growing up as a kid ... this building means a lot to me.
"It's always special to play in here. And obviously Saturday - Hockey Night in Canada ... It means more."
McDavid won't be alone in his excitement to play the Leafs, as he's one of several Ontario-born players on the Oilers.
Zach Hyman and Jake Walman are from Toronto, while Evan Bouchard, Alex Formenton, and Jason Dickinson were also raised in southern Ontario.
"This is a hometown game for a lot of guys and we want to make sure it's a good one," McDavid said. "Saturday night in Toronto, it's something that everyone looks forward to."
The 29-year-old has been dominant at Scotiabank Arena of late, recording 11 points in his last four visits to Toronto. Overall, he has six goals and 15 assists in 12 games in Ontario's capital.
McDavid is currently in the midst of a 20-game point streak to begin the season, amassing 49 points.
