The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a familiar position as the 2025-2026 NHL season progresses: heavily reliant on the exceptional talent of Connor McDavid. Once again, the narrative surrounding the Oilers revolves around McDavid's performance and his pivotal role in driving the team's success.

McDavid's recent performance speaks volumes about his leadership and consistency. As of December 15, 2025, McDavid was named the NHL's first star of the week after an outstanding performance of 10 points (four goals, six assists) in four games. He is currently second in the NHL with 56 points, comprising 20 goals and 36 assists, through 34 games. His week included a game against Buffalo, where he scored twice, including the tying goal with only two seconds left, and a 4-1 win over Detroit where he had four assists. McDavid also had two goals and one assist in the 6-3 victory over Toronto.

McDavid's influence extends beyond regular-season games; he significantly impacted Team Canada's success at the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament, scoring the overtime winner to secure the title. His leadership also propelled the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final.

After a comparatively slow start to the season, McDavid has been on a tear in December. His offensive output has surged, averaging nearly three points per game. This resurgence has propelled him to the top of the NHL scoring leaderboard. McDavid’s heightened level of play includes increased shot attempts and shots on goal, reminiscent of his earlier, dominant seasons. This offensive burst serves as a reminder that McDavid possesses a top gear unmatched by anyone in the league.

Throughout his NHL career, McDavid has achieved remarkable milestones, including scoring his 1,100th point, making him the fourth-fastest player to reach this milestone. He has also marked his ninth straight season with 60+ assists, demonstrating his exceptional playmaking abilities.

While the Oilers have other talented players, such as Leon Draisaitl, who recently achieved over 1,000 points in his NHL career and scored his 400th goal, McDavid remains the central figure around whom the team's hopes and strategies revolve. The Oilers' reliance on McDavid is a recurring theme, and their success often hinges on his ability to perform at an elite level.