The Edmonton Oilers are out of time to win a Stanley Cup with Connor McDavid on their team. That’s hardly breaking news. It’s a statement that has done the rounds for the last couple of years.
But now it seems that the clock has started ticking faster. There’s a simple reason behind that assertion. Sunday’s Olympic final saw McDavid come up short once again in a huge game. As bitter as that ending was for Team Canada, the ripple effect could go far beyond missing out on a gold medal.
For the Oilers, the effect could impact McDavid directly. Leon Draisaitl could fall into that category as well, if things really get that far.
McDavid and Draisaitl left Milano-Cortina without a major championship. The duo has been chasing one for the last couple of seasons, but to no avail. Olympic gold would have been enough to secure McDavid’s legacy, while buying the Oilers more time to win a Cup.
Now, it’s Cup or bust for the Oilers. This season could be the last chance the Oilers have to win with McDavid. While McDavid technically has two more years in Edmonton, there’s no telling just how much longer he’ll be willing to wait for a chance to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup.
That’s why the clock is ticking faster. The pressure is now on Edmonton to go all the way this season.
Stanley Cup Would Calm McDavid’s Waters
McDavid had another seemingly inconsequential consolation prize after the Olympic final. He was tournament MVP despite being on the second-place team.
That was a replay of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. McDavid won the Conn Smyth Trophy despite the Oilers being on the losing end of a seven-game series against the Florida Panthers. That situation left a sour taste in McDavid’s mouth, who reluctantly accepted the award.
A similar situation occurred on Sunday. McDavid was the best player in the tournament, but fell short when everything was said and done.
This Season Is Oilers’ Best Chance to Win
A Stanley Cup would help erase the bad memories of missing out on Olympic glory. It would certainly cement McDavid’s NHL legacy, assuaging ill feelings. If anything, a Stanley Cup could be enough to quell McDavd’s Olympic ire until 2030.
That’s why this season has to be the one. The Florida Panthers are collectively on the ropes. They’re on the outside looking in of the playoff picture. The back-to-back champs have numerous injuries and could be facing the end of their competitive window.
The Eastern Conference could have a new contender emerge, potentially a team like the Carolina Hurricanes or Detroit Red Wings.
On the Western Conference side of the bracket, the road to Lord Stanley’s Cup will likely take the Oilers through Colorado. Such a series would be one for the ages. And it’s something that McDavid and company will have to get ready for.
If they can make it that far, the Oilers might just have the best chance they’ve had in a long time to break Canada’s Stanley Cup drought.
However, if the Oilers can’t make it this season, there’s no telling if they’ll have as good a chance ever again.
Oilers Out of Time to Win Stanley Cup with McDavid