Leon Draisaitl shares honest truth on Oilers future with Connor McDavid

The Edmonton Oilers face a defining offseason after another NHL playoff exit, and Leon Draisaitl did not hide from the reality.

The Oilers have made it to two straight Stanley Cup finals in 2024 and 2025, and they looked good in those runs. But this time, the Oilers fell 4-2 in their first-round series to the Anaheim Ducks, ending with a 5-2 loss in Game 6.

Speaking Saturday morning, he made it clear the team must improve quickly while its championship window remains open.

“In what world do you have the best player in the world on your team and you’re not looking to win?” Draisaitl said, referring to Connor McDavid. “And I know we’re looking to win, but we need to be better. We have to be better. There’s no way around it. We have to improve.”

MORE: Oilers management under fire as goaltending woes waste McDavid-Draisaitl prime

Draisaitl’s message was direct and pointed at a roster that has struggled to match expectations.

McDavid remains the center of that window after signing a two-year, $25 million extension in October 2025. The deal runs through the 2027-28 season, giving Edmonton a short but critical timeline. Draisaitl stressed that reality in his message.

“[McDavid] he’s signed for two more years, and God knows where that goes, but we have two years here right now,” Draisaitl said. “As of right now, we have two years, and we have to get significantly better.”

Individually, McDavid delivered another elite season with 138 points in 82 games, leading the league in both goals created and playmaking. Yet team success never followed, despite his late-season push helping clinch the playoff spot.

Connor McDavid’s ‘average’ message for the Oilers