Chill Out, Oilers Fans Connor McDavid Knows What He’s Doing 

Chill Out, Oilers Fans Connor McDavid Knows What He’s Doing

It’s amazing how quickly people in Edmonton start to worry. Just six weeks ago, Connor McDavid said he was confident this version of the Oilers could win the Stanley Cup. Now, only a month into the new NHL season, some critics, both from the area and beyond, are starting to wonder if the captain is having doubts about his commitment.

Let’s make this clear: that’s silly talk.

The Oilers’ start to the season isn’t terrible — it’s just okay. Yes, there are some warning signs, but this same team has faced worse beginnings in the past and managed to recover well. Last season, they had 15 points after 15 games — just one less than now. The year before that, they only got 11 points during the same time and still managed to improve after changing their coach.

Starting slow has almost become the Oilers’ annual habit. Whether it’s their goaltending not being steady, defense problems, or poor play during even strength, the team always finds a way to bounce back once things calm down.

And no — McDavid isn’t regretting his new contract. He understands what this team can do. He has witnessed the team grow, overcome challenges, and rise to the occasion when it’s important.

As for general manager Stan Bowman, the calls for a big change at this moment are ridiculous. He already made one of the few important signings early in the season by bringing in Jack Roslovic on a smart, inexpensive deal — and it’s already showing good results. The Oilers don’t have much flexibility with their salary cap, so the idea of making a huge trade before the deadline doesn’t make sense.

The pressure to win isn’t anything new — it’s the same kind of stress that teams like Dallas and Colorado experience. McDavid’s new deal doesn’t change that, especially since his new contract doesn’t kick in until next summer.

Yes, there are things to fix — scoring during 5-on-5 play when McDavid and Draisaitl aren’t on the ice has been weak, and mistakes on defense have hurt them at important times. But this team has shown again and again that it knows how to get back on track when it counts.

So, take it easy, Edmonton. McDavid isn’t worried. Bowman isn’t losing his cool. And the Oilers? They’ll be just fine.