Oilers’ Coach Reveals How Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s Absence Has Affected Team’s Mentality
The Edmonton Oilers are a team built around two of the greatest talents the NHL has ever seen: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid, widely regarded as the best player in the world, possesses a unique combination of speed, skill, and hockey IQ that makes him a game-changer on any given night. Draisaitl, a superstar in his own right, complements McDavid perfectly, adding elite playmaking and scoring ability to the Oilers’ dynamic offense. Together, they form one of the most potent duos in the league, with their offensive chemistry a key driver of the team’s success.
However, as with any professional sports team, injuries are an inevitable part of the game. In recent weeks, both McDavid and Draisaitl have dealt with various injuries that have kept them out of the lineup, leaving the Oilers to adjust without their two cornerstone players. The absence of these two superstars has not only affected the Oilers’ on-ice performance but also has had a significant impact on the team’s mentality, morale, and overall outlook.
As the Oilers navigate this challenging stretch without their two best players, head coach Jay Woodcroft has been forced to re-evaluate his team’s strategy and approach. In a recent interview, Woodcroft opened up about how McDavid and Draisaitl’s absence has affected the team, both on a tactical level and in terms of mental fortitude. The coach’s insights shed light on the challenges the Oilers have faced and the mindset shift that has taken place as the team adjusts to their temporary loss.
The Immediate Impact of Missing McDavid and Draisaitl
When Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are on the ice, they have the ability to take over games. McDavid’s unmatched speed and ability to make plays at full throttle put the opposing team on the backfoot every time he touches the puck. Draisaitl, a powerful and skilled center, has an uncanny ability to score from anywhere on the ice, and his playmaking ability allows him to set up his teammates in ways that few others can.
Without them, the Oilers have been forced to rely more heavily on their depth players. Players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Evander Kane have been called upon to step up and fill the void left by McDavid and Draisaitl’s absence. While these players are talented in their own right, it’s impossible to replace the unique skill set and production that McDavid and Draisaitl provide.
Woodcroft acknowledged the difficulty of missing these two elite players, but he also emphasized how important it is for the team to remain positive and resilient during these challenging times. “You don’t want to overstate the impact of missing those two because we have a team of highly skilled players who can still compete,” Woodcroft explained. “But there’s no doubt that McDavid and Draisaitl are the engine that powers this team. When they’re not in the lineup, we need to find a way to adapt and rise to the occasion.”
Adjusting Tactically: More Responsibility for Role Players
With McDavid and Draisaitl sidelined, the Oilers’ coaching staff has had to make several tactical adjustments in an effort to maintain offensive production. Woodcroft and his staff have been working to get more out of the team’s secondary scoring. There has been a concerted effort to spread the ice time more evenly across the roster, giving more responsibility to players who would typically play in the shadow of McDavid and Draisaitl.
One of the key adjustments has been moving players like Nugent-Hopkins and Hyman up into more prominent roles. Nugent-Hopkins, who usually serves as a reliable two-way forward on the second or third line, has been tasked with carrying a larger offensive burden in the absence of the team’s superstars. Similarly, Hyman, a gritty forward who brings energy and leadership, has been given more ice time and an opportunity to showcase his offensive capabilities.
“Without McDavid and Draisaitl, we’ve had to change the way we approach each game,” Woodcroft said. “It’s about more balance now, getting contributions from everyone, not just relying on one or two guys to carry the offense. The guys who have had the opportunity to step up have responded really well, and that’s been encouraging.”
The adjustment has been challenging at times, but the Oilers have shown signs of resilience. Players like Kane, who has the ability to provide offensive spark, and young talents such as Kailer Yamamoto, have been given more ice time and an increased role in the offense. The result has been a more spread-out offensive attack, which, while not as potent as when McDavid and Draisaitl are in the lineup, has kept the team competitive during this stretch.
Mental Resilience: A Test of Character
Perhaps the biggest adjustment the Oilers have had to make during this time has been mental. Losing two of the best players in the league would be a blow to any team, and it would be easy for players to get discouraged or feel like the deck is stacked against them. However, Woodcroft believes that the Oilers’ mentality and resilience are what will carry them through this tough period.
“The mental aspect is just as important as the physical one,” Woodcroft said. “We need to maintain a positive mindset. The guys have responded well, and we’ve seen players step up. We’ve got a lot of character in this room, and that’s going to be critical as we work through these injuries.”
The absence of McDavid and Draisaitl has placed a greater burden on the Oilers’ leadership group. Veterans like Nurse, Hyman, and Nugent-Hopkins have stepped into a more vocal leadership role, ensuring that the team remains focused on the bigger picture. These players have made it clear that they believe in the team’s ability to overcome adversity, and that confidence has been passed down to the younger players.
While McDavid and Draisaitl are often the focal points of the Oilers’ success, this injury stretch has highlighted the leadership depth within the organization. Players who are often overshadowed by the stars have been forced to step up, and they have done so with determination and resilience.
“For us to be successful during this period, everyone has to contribute,” said Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. “We can’t just rely on one or two guys to carry the load. It’s all about the collective effort. I think we’ve seen that over the past few games as guys have really stepped up.”
The mental resilience of the team has been evident in the way they’ve been able to weather the storm. Despite missing two of their best players, the Oilers have remained competitive in the standings. While it’s not the same as when McDavid and Draisaitl are in the lineup, the team has found ways to keep grinding out wins.
Looking Ahead: The Return of McDavid and Draisaitl
As Woodcroft and the Oilers work through this difficult stretch, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Both McDavid and Draisaitl are expected to return to the lineup soon, and their presence will undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost to the team.
The key for the Oilers will be to maintain the momentum they’ve built during this challenging time. The team has learned a lot about itself in McDavid and Draisaitl’s absence. Players have become more accustomed to carrying bigger roles, and the team’s mentality has shifted toward a more collective effort rather than relying solely on individual brilliance.
Woodcroft emphasized that the Oilers will need to build off of the growth they’ve experienced during this period. “When Connor and Leon come back, we want them to fit seamlessly into what we’ve been building here,” Woodcroft said. “We’ve got a stronger mentality as a group, and we want to carry that forward.”
Ultimately, while the absence of McDavid and Draisaitl has been a significant challenge, it has also presented an opportunity for the Oilers to prove their depth, resilience, and character. The team has adjusted to the absence of its superstars, showing that they are more than just a two-player team. With McDavid and Draisaitl set to return, the Oilers are poised to make a strong push down the stretch, and the lessons learned during this period will serve them well in the playoffs.
