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World juniors separates Connor McDavid from NHL draft crop

Canada's Connor McDavid celebrates his goal against Denmark with teammates Fredrik Gauthier (22) during second period quarter-final action at the World Junior Hockey Championships in Toronto on Friday January 2, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

TORONTO – Connor McDavid was already the front-runner to go first overall in the NHL draft. Now he’s even further ahead of the rest of the group.

With his performance for Canada at the world junior championship, McDavid separated himself from projected No. 2 pick Jack Eichel and every other draft-eligible prospect.

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McDavid shook off the rust from a six-week absence with a broken hand and became gold-medal-winning Canada’s best player.

In seven games, McDavid tied Sam Reinhart, the No. 2 pick last season to the Buffalo Sabres, and 19-year-old Nic Petan for the tournament lead in scoring with 11 points.

McDavid dazzled with three goals and eight assists and showed off a sharp transition game and game-changing speed.

Analysts and scouts raved about McDavid improving throughout the tournament, especially against largely older competition.

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