"McDavid to Toronto confirmed": NHL fans react to Connor McDavid's cryptic tweet with a message for Auston Matthews

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid's cryptic post to Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews on Thursday afternoon sparked a flurry of speculation among NHL fans.

McDavid posted on X/Twitter:

"@AM34 crossbar and in, let's see it," without providing any context behind the message.

This led some fans to wonder if the Oilers star was subtly hinting at a trade to the Maple Leafs.

One fan reacted:

"McDavid to Toronto confirmed."

Another fan wrote:

"Just imagine what the @MapleLeafs could pull off if you jumped ship to them!" on X.

Here are some more reactions from fans on X:

"McDavid recruiting yet another Leaf to join the Oilers. Lets gooooo," one fan wrote.

"This is a large iq play, huge engagement because of the McDavid-Toronto thing, but in reality they are probably just doing an ad together," another fan said.

"I guess buddies can’t root for each here without the 2nd TIER fans start thinking 'trade trade trade!' He’s cheering for his buddy to get back to scoring goals. Com’on!!!! People!! How hard is it to understand simple stuff???" one fan commented.

"Connor doesn't get woken up by his alarm clock, he wakes up his alarm clock," another fan wrote.

Matthews has yet to respond to McDavid's tweet. The Maple Leafs captain is sidelined with an upper-body injury that has kept him out since Dec. 20. He is set to miss his sixth consecutive game when the Maple Leafs host the New York Islanders on Thursday.

Connor McDavid praised Auston Matthews on becoming Maple Leafs captain

In August, Connor McDavid praised Auston Matthews for becoming the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He complimented Matthews' leadership abilities and fit as captain of the historic Original Six franchise.

"First and foremost, he's an amazing player, great player, but he's a great person, highly intelligent, loves the game, loves the Leafs," McDavid said. "I think he's a great captain."

He went on to add that Matthews' personality and style suited Toronto.

"He's definitely got a little bit more style than maybe I do, and Toronto's a stylish city," McDavid added. "I think he represents the city great and the team."

Despite the intense competition they share on the ice, McDavid and Matthews have managed to maintain a close friendship off the rink.