Odd Olympic Rumors Surround McDavid and Oilers During Slow Start
The Edmonton Oilers, a team with Stanley Cup aspirations, find themselves facing familiar questions as they navigate a sluggish start to the 2025-26 NHL season. With a current record of 4-4-2, the Oilers are hovering around the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference, a far cry from their dominant form of the past few seasons. This inconsistent play has sparked concern among fans and analysts, leading to speculation about the factors contributing to the team's underwhelming performance.
Adding fuel to the fire, TSN insider Pierre LeBrun recently suggested that Connor McDavid, the Oilers' captain and arguably the best player in the world, might have divided priorities this season. LeBrun hinted that McDavid, along with other players focused on the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, could be "gearing up for Milan," potentially impacting their NHL performance. This statement raises questions about whether McDavid's focus is solely on the Oilers or if the allure of representing Canada on the Olympic stage is influencing his early-season play.
McDavid's inclusion in Team Canada's Olympic orientation camp roster alongside teammates Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard was expected. McDavid has expressed excitement about the Olympics, even predicting the tournament's intensity will surpass the Four Nations Face-Off. While his commitment to the national team is admirable, the timing of LeBrun's comments has ignited debate about its potential impact on the Oilers' immediate success.
The Oilers' struggles are multifaceted. Their offense, particularly at 5-on-5, ranks low in the league. Secondary scoring has been a concern, with analysts questioning where the additional offensive contributions will come from beyond McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Coach Kris Knoblauch has acknowledged the "frustration" within the team, emphasizing the need for improved consistency and execution.
Fatigue could also be a factor in the Oilers' slow start. Over the past three seasons, the Oilers have played a significant number of games, and several players have dealt with injuries. An illness also swept through the locker room early in the season, further compounding the team's challenges.
Individually, some Oilers players have underperformed relative to expectations. Defenseman Evan Bouchard, who recently signed a lucrative contract extension, has struggled to find consistency. Goaltender Calvin Pickard has also had a tough start, failing to provide the stability the team needs. Young players like Matt Savoie have had limited opportunities to make an impact.
Despite the concerns, some observers remain optimistic. They point to the Oilers' history of overcoming slow starts and their proven ability to improve as the season progresses. The team's talent is undeniable, and many believe it is only a matter of time before they find their rhythm and return to contention.
The rumors surrounding McDavid and the Olympics add another layer of intrigue to the Oilers' season. While representing his country is a significant honor, McDavid's primary responsibility remains with the Oilers. As the season unfolds, it will become clearer whether the Olympic focus is a genuine distraction or simply an external narrative surrounding a team working to find its footing.
