Connor McDavid reaches historic Wayne Gretzky milestone amid controversy over leadership

Connor McDavid’s leadership gets questioned after the Oilers lose their second consecutive game in the regular season.

Connor McDavid reaches historic Wayne Gretzky milestone amid controversy over leadership

Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid [Image Credit: Imago]

The Edmonton Oilers seem to be struggling this season with poor in-depth force to maintain their winning streak in the 2024-25 season games. However, team captain Connor McDavid recorded a celebratory milestone by being the 2nd person in NHL to record nine straight 60-assist seasons.

The only person apart from McDavid who is in the 60-assist club in multiple seasons is hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. The milestone accomplishment took place on Thursday night at the Prudential Center in a game against the New Jersey Devils.

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Despite the historic club record, the team failed to win the match as Devils celebrated their win with 3-2 record. It is the Edmonton Oilers‘ second consecutive loss, and they will be trying their best not to make it a third. 

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It’s also their eighth loss in 11 games, with only 17 games remaining in the regular season. Currently, the team is sitting in the 3rd position in the Pacific Division with seven points above the Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames.

I thought our guys put in a really good effort the first 40 minutes; it was an even game. In the third period, I thought we pushed hard and had a lot of good scoring chances. I think our top line (Draisaitl, McDavid, Hyman) controlled the play when they were on the ice.

Kris Knoblauch as per Colin Gallant of ClutchPoints.com.

Their road trip will continue into Friday, as the team is scheduled to play against the New York Islanders. Fans have already voiced their disappointment following the team’s 2-3 loss over the Buffalo Sabres. 

Connor McDavid’s leadership questioned following team’s second consecutive loss

Following the conclusion of the 4Nations, Connor McDavid has been struggling to keep his team afoalt amid playoff preparations. On Monday, the Edmonton Oilers lost 2-3 against the Buffalo Sabres and then again went on to lose Thursday’s game against the NJ Devils.

Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid [Image Credit: Imago]

In a video during the Oilers vs. Sabres game, McDavid was seen being visibly frustrated over the team’s loss, and his behaviour made several people question his leadership quality. Some even asked how the atmosphere is in the locker room and if it’s McDavid or coach Kris Knoblauch’s lack of leadership that resulted in the team’s loss.

Fans called out Knoblauch for not getting that timeout during the final minutes of the match as it might have provided the team the boost it needed. McDavid is yet to address these questions regarding his leadership, but their match against the Islanders will be a pivotal point for the team.

Connor McDavid’s future with Oilers remain uncertain

Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid has only one year left in his 8-year, $100 million contract, and he is unsure about the future. The star player said that his decision to either stay or leave the team will depend on multiple factors involving winning a championship game and personal goals.

Edmonton Oilers vs. New Jersey Devils
Edmonton Oilers vs. New Jersey Devils [Image Credit: Edmonton Oilers]

ESPN broadcaster John Buccigross predicted that McDavid would stay with the Oilers and sign the highest deal with the organization in the long term. Despite controversies over his future, the focus remains on reaching the playoffs and winning the Stanley Cup.

It’s a little bit of everything. Whether that’s the power play or penalty kill. Whether it’s depth scoring or making mistakes. Whatever it is, there are a lot of things we need to improve on.

Kris Knoblauch as per Cam Levis of OilersNation.com.

Following the team’s latest loss on Thursday, coach Kris Knoblauch remained positive, saying, “We’ve just got to do a better job”. For now, their aim is not to record another consecutive loss and snatch the playoff position for the Stanley Cup championship.