‘Don’t panic’: Don Cherry with wise words on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl injuries

In the fast-paced, injury-prone world of professional sports, players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are icons who play pivotal roles in the success of the Edmonton Oilers. Their skill, leadership, and unique talents make them irreplaceable cornerstones of the team. But what happens when they get injured, leaving fans and analysts alike to wonder how the Oilers will fare without their two superstars?

Recently, both McDavid and Draisaitl have experienced setbacks due to injuries that left Oilers fans on edge. In such times of uncertainty, veteran hockey analyst and former coach Don Cherry has a unique perspective on the situation. Known for his brash, candid commentary and insight into the game of hockey, Cherry weighed in on the potential fallout from these injuries, offering some much-needed wisdom and a perspective that many fans needed to hear: “Don’t panic.”

Cherry’s statement, though simple, highlights an important aspect of professional sports, especially in the NHL. While it’s easy for fans and media to jump to conclusions and worry about the worst-case scenario, the reality is that injuries, though concerning, are a part of the game. Moreover, as Cherry points out, it’s important for Oilers fans to remain calm and understand that the team has the depth, leadership, and systems in place to weather the storm until McDavid and Draisaitl return to full health.

The Significance of McDavid and Draisaitl

Connor McDavid, widely regarded as the best player in the world, is the engine that drives the Oilers’ offense. His blazing speed, impeccable puck-handling skills, and ability to change the game in an instant make him a generational talent. He has been the Oilers’ face of the franchise and a perennial MVP candidate. Similarly, Leon Draisaitl, a superstar in his own right, brings a perfect complement to McDavid’s speed with his vision, playmaking, and shooting ability. Together, the two have formed one of the most lethal duos in the NHL, capable of lighting up the scoreboard every night.

However, when both players suffer injuries—whether minor or significant—it leaves a massive hole in the team’s offensive structure. The concern for Oilers fans is entirely justified, as McDavid and Draisaitl account for a significant portion of the team’s offensive production. Their absence, even temporarily, can have a cascading effect on the rest of the lineup, forcing other players to step up and fill the void.

But in true hockey fashion, injuries are part of the game, and it’s not the first time that teams have had to navigate adversity. That’s where Cherry’s words resonate deeply. As a former NHL coach, Cherry knows firsthand how teams have to adjust to injuries, especially to star players, and how, often, the best course of action is to remain calm, trust the system, and allow other players to rise to the occasion.

The Role of Depth in Surviving Injury

One of the main points Cherry makes in his advice to Oilers fans is the importance of team depth in times of injury. While McDavid and Draisaitl are unquestionably the Oilers’ two most impactful players, the team has surrounded them with talent that can contribute in meaningful ways. Players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, and others are all capable of taking on bigger roles if needed.

In fact, while McDavid and Draisaitl have been the focal points of the Oilers’ offense, the team has been built with a solid supporting cast that can step up when required. The Oilers’ depth at forward and defense has been a focus for general manager Ken Holland, as the franchise has understood that in order to win in the NHL, a team needs more than just a couple of superstars—it needs balance and contributions from all parts of the roster.

Cherry’s point here is clear: the Oilers aren’t a one- or two-player team. While McDavid and Draisaitl can certainly carry the team for long stretches, the Oilers are built to survive injuries to their stars. This is where coaching and system play come into the picture. With the right adjustments, other players on the team can contribute more in the absence of their star counterparts. Under head coach Jay Woodcroft, the Oilers have had success implementing a team-first approach, ensuring that even when stars are out, the team as a whole can maintain its competitive edge.

Team Chemistry and Leadership

Another critical factor that Cherry points out is the leadership and chemistry within the Oilers’ locker room. While McDavid and Draisaitl are the team’s on-ice leaders, there are other veterans—like Hyman, Nugent-Hopkins, and defenseman Darnell Nurse—who can provide stability and leadership in the absence of the team’s most prominent stars.

Leadership in hockey isn’t solely about being the loudest or most vocal person in the room. It’s about setting an example, maintaining a level of consistency, and ensuring that teammates stay focused, especially in difficult times. Even if McDavid and Draisaitl are sidelined for a period, the team’s leadership group can step up, providing guidance, direction, and a steadying presence to help the team stay on track.

The key here is how players respond when faced with adversity. In many cases, the best teams are those that can come together and elevate their play in times of difficulty. The Oilers, with their mix of youth and experience, have the talent and chemistry to find ways to remain competitive even when their top players are out. Cherry’s experience tells him that good teams often rally together when things aren’t going perfectly, and this resilience can make the difference over the course of a season.

The Power of Patience

One of Cherry’s most important messages is the need for patience during periods of uncertainty. Fans, in particular, can become easily panicked or anxious when their team’s star players are sidelined. The fear of losing ground in the playoff race, or worse, falling out of contention entirely, is a very real concern. However, Cherry reminds Oilers fans that the season is long and there’s still time for the team to recover from these setbacks.

In the NHL, the season is often a marathon, not a sprint. Injuries are inevitable, and every team goes through them. It’s how a team responds to these injuries that matters. Cherry advises against panicking in the face of adversity. Instead, he encourages fans and the team to take a step back and allow the necessary adjustments to take place.

In the case of McDavid and Draisaitl’s injuries, this might mean seeing increased production from players who have been waiting for their chance to step up. It could involve a slight change in the team’s offensive system to compensate for the missing pieces. Whatever the case, the key is to give the team time to adapt and trust the process. There’s no need to make rash decisions or to overreact to a situation that, while concerning, is not necessarily a season-defining moment.

The Return of McDavid and Draisaitl: The Road to Recovery

While Cherry’s advice is valid for the present, the ultimate goal for the Oilers is always to get McDavid and Draisaitl back to full health. Both players have proven time and again that they are capable of changing the course of a game on their own, and their return will undoubtedly be a huge boost for the team. But as Cherry points out, rushing them back too soon would be detrimental to both their long-term health and the team’s success.

The Oilers’ medical staff and coaching team will undoubtedly take a cautious approach to their recovery, ensuring that McDavid and Draisaitl return to action only when they are fully ready. The hope is that, by the time they are back on the ice, the Oilers will have weathered the storm and be in a position to make a strong push toward the playoffs.