Connor McDavid Outlines the Keys to Success for the Oilers in 2026-27 – The Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid took time from his captain’s skate in Edmonton on Sept. 9 to meet with the local media and his comments could be a sign of what’s to come in the 2026-27 season for the Edmonton Oilers. Some key points McDavid touched on were about consistency and chemistry, specifically mentioning, “I think this year we’d like a bit more stability.” He went on to add “we’ve asked a long time for some consistency throughout lines and building chemistry. It’s not easy just to kind of jumping around from spot to spot, switching positions and having guys playing up and down the lineup.”

Stability, Not Talent, Could Be the Missing Ingredient in Edmonton

McDavid opened up a bit on the challenges he and his teammates have faced in the past and without naming names, you can tell that having previous coaching staffs constantly shuffling lines has been tough on the players. McDavid specifically mentioned, “It’s hard mentally. It’s hard to understand what your job is, so I think we’re looking for some consistency throughout the lineup in terms of where guys are playing.”

This could be something he, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman discussed with new Oilers head coach Mike Babcock during the hiring process this summer. If not, it’s definitely sending a message to Babcock and associate coach D.J. Smith that the players are looking for more stability throughout the lineup.

A Fast Start Is More Important Than Ever for the Oilers in 2026-27

McDavid touched on the importance of the Oilers getting off to a fast start this season. He said something very interesting about the intensity of the informal skate on Sept. 9 in Edmonton and how the team needs to be ready physically and mentally for the start of the season: “Guys are already digging in hard and getting ready for camp. We want to hit the ground running this year.”

In recent seasons, the Oilers have a tendency to get off to slow starts and then have to expend a lot of energy to catch up later in the season. This was especially true during former head coaches Jay Woodcroft and Kris Knoblauch’s tenures. Things could change under Babcock and the first 10 games or so could be one of the most interesting stretches to keep an eye on.

No Interruptions in the Upcoming Season for the Olympics or 4 Nations Face-Off

With no Winter Olympics or Four Nations Face-Off interrupting the NHL schedule this season, it could be a big year for McDavid, Draisaitl, Mattias Ekholm and company. They won’t have to worry about extra travel or extra pressure of representing their countries and can instead just focus on rest, rejuvenation, and pacing themselves for the benefit of the Oilers.

That could be a difference maker this season, especially for McDavid who has probably played more high pressure hockey over the past three seasons than almost any other player in the league. It was evident during the Oilers first-round playoff exit to the Anaheim Ducks last April that the team was tired and injured. McDavid definitely didn’t seem himself in that series. With a longer offseason and time to rest and recover, McDavid, Draisaitl, and players such as Evan Bouchard could have great seasons at both ends of the ice.

An Interesting Season Ahead for McDavid and the Oilers, to Say the Least

Based on McDavid’s comments and what both Draisaitl and Hyman have said about Babcock, it’s going to be very interesting to see how things turn out this season in Edmonton. The best case scenario is the Oilers gel, buy in to Babcock’s philosophies right off the bat, begin the season with a solid winning record, and carry a consistent game throughout the season. Worst case scenario? Let’s discuss that if and when it happens.