Columnist predicts Connor McDavid could leave Oilers if Stanley Cup drought continues
After a decade being drafted as the first overall pick by the Edmonton Oilers in 2015, Connor McDavid might have already put one foot outside of Edmonton. On July 22, an accredited hockey reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens dropped the prediction.
According to Marco D’Amico’s analysis, the reason behind his departure has to do with the Oilers’ Stanley Cup drought since 1990.
“It’s as simple as this: if he doesn’t win a Stanley Cup next season, I don’t see Connor McDavid as an Edmonton Oiler in 2027-28,” said D’Amico on the BPM Sports podcast on July 22.
MONTREAL, QC – MAY 12: Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid 97 waits for a face-off during the Edmonton Oilers versus the Montreal Canadiens game on May 12, 2021, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA MAY 12 Oilers at Canadiens Icon210512076
MONTREAL, QC – MAY 12: Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid 97 waits for a face-off during the Edmonton Oilers versus the Montreal Canadiens game on May 12, 2021, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA MAY 12 Oilers at Canadiens Icon210512076
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic predicted this summer that McDavid wouldn’t leave the Oilers without compensation by becoming a free agent in two years. However, given D’Amico’s prediction, the Stanley Cup drought is adding to the pressure.
Edmonton has come close to winning the Stanley Cup in each of the last two seasons. However, during the 2025-26 season, they got eliminated from the Stanley Cup race with a 5-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of the Western Conference First Round.
“I believe this is the Oilers’ last chance,” added D’Amico.
Keeping the “last chance” narrative in mind, the Oilers have made some changes this offseason.
Edmonton added Frederik Andersen from the Carolina Hurricanes to strengthen the goaltending unit. However, one goaltender isn’t enough to solve the team’s defensive struggles.
Walking into the 2026 season, they made a move by hiring Mike Babcock as their new head coach. It involves risk since he last coached an NHL game on November 19, 2019.
In the meantime, they traded Darnell Nurse, believing he was overpaid.
While the Oilers had a happening offseason, their 2026-27 season will be crucial to keep McDavid locked in. After all, they can’t afford to lose him.
How Connor McDavid became the cornerstone of the Oilers
Shortly after signing an eight-year, $100 million deal with Edmonton on July 5, 2017, McDavid topped the NHL scoring charts again in 2017-18 with 108 points (41 goals, 67 assists) in 82 games. In that season, he captured his second consecutive Ted Lindsay Award.
The Oilers have known his value from the very beginning. He led Edmonton to the postseason in 2017, winning his first career playoff series against the San Jose Sharks.
McDavid holds a playoff record of 156 points (45 goals and 111 assists) in 102 games played.
Moving into the 2026 season, the Oilers might have a factor in their favor.
DraftKings has put the Oilers’ 2026-27 schedule at No.14 in his list of ‘2026-27 strength of schedule’ as posted on X on July 23.
With the new changes in their roster and a favorable schedule, will Edmonton be able to stop McDavid from moving out? Let us know in the comments.
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