G.S. Giguere calls out Connor McDavid for not accepting the Conn Smythe Trophy

It's proving to be one of the most enduring moments from Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

After the Florida Panthers clinched victory over the Edmonton Oilers, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stood there by himself at center ice with the Conn Smythe Trophy with absolutely no one to hand it to. Oilers captain Connor McDavid was the winner as playoff MVP, but he neglected to come out and accept his award, using his time instead to be with his teammates in the Oilers' locker room.

Honestly, I have no criticisms for McDavid on how he handled things. The guy just had his soul crushed after an absolutely historic playoff run. There's no shame in spending time with your teammates after such a crushing loss. Even less so when you're that team's captain, as is the case for McDavid.

The last player from a losing team to win the award though, former NHL goalie G.S. Giguere though sees things differently. Giguere, of course, won the Conn Smythe in 2003 as a member of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in a losing effort against the New Jersey Devils. Giguere accepted his award on the ice and famously gave us this iconic photo:

Giguere was recently asked about McDavid's decision on the 'Leafs Morning Take' podcast when he offered up his opinion:

"I feel for Connor you know. He played so well and deserved that trophy. In my mind, I do think that he should have gone and accepted the trophy. At the end of the day, I think the game is always bigger than the individual, you know and this is a major trophy for the NHL." Giguere said.

He added, "It's something, you know, it would have showed kids I guess that winning or losing, you still present yourself the right away and accept your fate. Easier said than done, I get it, you know I think he's an amazing player, he's an amazing ambassador for the game. So, it's hard to imagine what was going through his mind. I know what it was like. I still would have taken the picture and leave, but it's not easy for sure. You know, it would have shown great respect to the game to just show up and take the picture. That's my personal opinion. I could be wrong."

- G.S. Giguere

I've got the say... Giggy is bang on the money with his assessment here. 

Should McDavid have accepted his award gracefully? Sure.

Do I hold it against him that he didn't? Of course not.

Well said, Giggy.