Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel is showcasing a new offensive mindset this season, which is throwing a spotlight on Connor McDavid's frustrating start with the Edmonton Oilers. Eichel's determination to shoot more is paying dividends for both him and his team, while McDavid's reluctance to shoot is raising concerns in Edmonton.
Through the first few games, Eichel leads the NHL in shots taken with 27 and has tallied 11 points. The Golden Knights have benefited, starting the season with a 3-0-2 record. In contrast, McDavid, who expressed a desire to score more goals this season, has yet to light the lamp, and some fans are growing impatient. While he has 5 assists, his apparent focus on passing rather than shooting is being questioned. McDavid has only recorded 15 shots, ranking him 40th in the league.
A recent 4-2 loss against the New York Islanders highlighted this issue. During the game, McDavid passed to defenseman Troy Stecher in the slot instead of taking an open shot on goal. While the puck may have been slightly bouncing, the decision to pass to a defenseman on his off-hand, rather than shooting, left many puzzled.
The Oilers, who had high expectations coming into the 2025-26 season, have had a rather slow start. Despite a 2-1-1 record, their offensive struggles are evident. The team's inability to consistently score goals, especially at even strength, is a growing concern. In the loss to the Islanders, Edmonton's coach, Kris Knoblauch, pointed to mistakes, including a costly giveaway by Evan Bouchard.
McDavid's frustration is mirrored in the team's overall performance. The Oilers are known for their high-flying offense, but they are struggling to live up to that reputation. Coach Knoblauch needs to find a way to unlock the team's offensive potential. Some suggest McDavid should adopt a shoot-first mentality, similar to Eichel's current approach.
Eichel's success in Vegas since being traded from Buffalo in 2021 has been notable. After a dispute with the Sabres over a neck injury and subsequent surgery, Eichel has thrived with the Golden Knights, leading them to a Stanley Cup victory in 2023. His performance has earned him an eight-year contract extension with a $13.5 million cap hit.
Prior to the season, Eichel emphasized the importance of a strong start, a mindset that seems to be paying off. He also expressed excitement about playing for Team USA in the upcoming 4-Nations Face-Off and the Olympics.
The Oilers opened their season with a Battle of Alberta against the Calgary Flames on October 8 and faced the Vancouver Canucks on October 11. Their schedule includes an early-season road trip to New York to play the Rangers and Islanders, as well as rematches against teams they faced in the playoffs, such as the Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars.
As the Oilers navigate their early-season challenges, the spotlight is on McDavid to rediscover his scoring touch and lead the team's offense. The contrast between Eichel's shot-first approach and McDavid's current passing tendencies highlights the different paths players can take to achieve success.
