“Not the best player”: Fans criticize Connor McDavid as recent setbacks cast doubt on the Oilers’

Connor McDavid, widely regarded as one of the most skilled players to ever step onto the ice, has carried the weight of the Edmonton Oilers’ franchise on his shoulders for much of his career. His blistering speed, pinpoint accuracy, and unmatched playmaking ability have made him a generational talent, and his dominance on the ice has resulted in countless accolades, including multiple Hart Trophies as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player. However, despite McDavid’s extraordinary talent, the Edmonton Oilers have been mired in a cycle of inconsistency, and recent setbacks have caused fans and analysts alike to cast doubt on whether the Oilers can truly contend for a Stanley Cup with McDavid at the helm.

As the 2025 season progresses, frustrations are mounting. Despite McDavid’s individual brilliance, the Oilers have continued to falter in key games, struggling to perform in crucial moments. These setbacks, coupled with a lack of support from other players on the roster, have led to a growing chorus of criticism from fans. Some are even questioning whether McDavid, despite his incredible skill, is truly the answer to the Oilers’ problems.

This article will delve into the recent challenges facing McDavid and the Oilers, explore the growing frustrations from the fanbase, and analyze the reasons behind the criticism. By taking a closer look at the team’s performance, McDavid’s leadership, and the broader issues surrounding the franchise, we’ll assess whether the doubts being cast on the team’s prospects are warranted or if McDavid can rise above the noise and deliver the success that Oilers fans have been longing for.

The Weight of Expectations

From the moment McDavid was drafted first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2015, expectations for both him and the franchise were sky-high. As a generational talent, McDavid was expected to not only revitalize a team that had been mired in mediocrity but to eventually lead the Oilers to a Stanley Cup championship. For a franchise that had not won a Cup since 1990, McDavid’s arrival was seen as a turning point—a chance to return to the glory days of the 1980s when the Oilers were a dynasty.

McDavid’s skill has never been in question. He has regularly posted video-game-like statistics, making defenders look helpless and creating highlight-reel plays on a regular basis. His ability to make plays in tight spaces and exploit even the smallest gaps in coverage sets him apart from virtually every other player in the league. Despite this, the Oilers have failed to advance past the second round of the playoffs since McDavid’s arrival, a stark contrast to the expectations set for him and the team.

As McDavid continues to rack up individual honors, the Oilers’ inability to break through the playoff ceiling has become an increasingly glaring issue. This disconnect between McDavid’s individual performance and the team’s overall success has led to growing frustration from fans, who expect more from a team built around one of the best players in the game.

Recent Setbacks and Growing Frustration

Over the past few seasons, the Edmonton Oilers have shown flashes of potential. With McDavid leading the way, the team has boasted one of the most potent offenses in the league. However, inconsistency has been their Achilles’ heel. This season, the Oilers have experienced another series of setbacks, including key losses to lower-ranked teams, poor defensive play, and struggles to maintain momentum in tight games. The most recent setback came in a series of games where the Oilers had a chance to solidify their playoff position but faltered under pressure.

In particular, the Oilers’ failure to win crucial games against top-tier teams has left fans questioning the team’s ability to compete when it matters most. Even with McDavid’s impressive statistics, including numerous multi-point games and continued dominance on the power play, the Oilers have often been outclassed by teams with stronger, more well-rounded rosters. These losses have sparked frustration among the fanbase, with many now questioning whether McDavid, despite his individual brilliance, is enough to carry the team to a championship.

Fans have taken to social media and sports forums to voice their frustrations, and the criticism has grown louder. Some have even started to argue that McDavid is not the player the Oilers need him to be. While this may seem counterintuitive given his consistent offensive output, the argument centers around McDavid’s perceived lack of influence in critical moments. Fans point to his inability to step up during key playoff games, where his individual performances haven’t translated into team victories.

Criticism of Leadership and Impact

One of the main criticisms of McDavid in recent years is his perceived inability to elevate the players around him in the most important moments. McDavid is undoubtedly a remarkable talent, but the criticism lies in whether he is fully utilizing his leadership skills to inspire and motivate his teammates when things aren’t going well. The Oilers have several skilled players alongside McDavid, including Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evander Kane, but the team’s success or failure often seems tied to McDavid’s ability to carry the load on his own.

In high-stakes games, McDavid has occasionally been criticized for not being the “closer” that fans expect. When the Oilers find themselves in tight situations, especially in the playoffs, McDavid’s play has sometimes lacked the urgency and aggression needed to take over a game. For a player with such immense talent, these moments of passivity have been difficult to ignore. His game in high-pressure situations often reflects a hesitation to assert himself fully, which can be detrimental when the team is already struggling.

Furthermore, McDavid’s frustration has sometimes boiled over, especially when the team is performing poorly. While McDavid is generally known for his calm demeanor and focus, there have been instances where he’s appeared visibly frustrated with his teammates. This frustration, while understandable, has led some to question McDavid’s ability to lead in difficult situations. Leadership is not just about individual performance; it’s about galvanizing the team and finding a way to win together. Fans are beginning to ask whether McDavid can provide that leadership when it matters most or if he is too reliant on his own brilliance.

Lack of Support and Depth Issues

Another major issue that fans are pointing to is the Oilers’ lack of support and depth, which undermines McDavid’s efforts. The Oilers are heavily reliant on McDavid and Draisaitl for offensive production, and when they are contained or shut down by opposing teams, there is little depth to step in and pick up the slack. Players like Zach Hyman, Warren Foegele, and Ryan McLeod have had their moments, but none have been able to consistently contribute at the level necessary for the team to contend for a Cup.

This lack of depth is particularly troubling because the Oilers’ defensive unit has long been a weak point. While McDavid and Draisaitl can generate goals, the defense has often been porous, allowing too many high-danger chances and putting pressure on goaltenders like Stuart Skinner. The defensive issues have prevented the Oilers from being a truly balanced team, leaving McDavid with the unenviable task of trying to outscore opponents while often being let down by defensive breakdowns.

The lack of a solid defensive core has been an ongoing issue for the Oilers, and despite efforts to bolster the defense, the team’s blue line continues to falter. With McDavid’s offensive output often canceled out by the Oilers’ defensive struggles, the team remains in a perpetual cycle of inconsistency.

Should McDavid Be Criticized?

Despite the mounting frustrations, it’s important to acknowledge that criticism of McDavid should be tempered with the understanding that hockey is a team sport. McDavid has been nothing short of exceptional in his career, and no single player can carry a team to a Stanley Cup without help. That being said, the criticism comes from the fact that McDavid’s exceptional talent has not been able to translate into postseason success, and the Oilers’ inability to make deep playoff runs raises questions about the team’s overall structure and leadership.

Is McDavid at fault? No, but his inability to consistently rise above challenges when his team needs him most has led fans to wonder whether he is the right player to lead the Oilers to the promised land. Leadership is about more than just scoring goals—it’s about lifting the team as a whole and inspiring them to perform at their best. As McDavid enters the later stages of his career, he must take on a more vocal and influential role, not only by producing on the ice but also by fostering a culture of winning and accountability.