Oilers need Penguins-style support system for Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl

Penguins built around stars, not only because of them

The Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017 were never only about Crosby and Malkin. Pittsburgh surrounded its elite core with relentless speed, capable third-line scoring, mobile defensemen, and timely goaltending.

The “HBK Line” featuring Carl Hagelin, Nick Bonino, and Phil Kessel became a playoff matchup nightmare. Bryan Rust and Conor Sheary added speed and pressure from lower in the lineup. Trevor Daley and Ian Cole stabilized the blue line with smart puck movement and defensive structure.

Whitney also pointed to the contrast in roster balance.

“I’m looking at Crosby, Malkin, and Letang,” Whitney said. “You can’t tell me that on paper it’s that different, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard.”

Edmonton has high-end stars comparable to Pittsburgh’s elite core. In the 2025-26 season, McDavid had his 9th 100-point season, posting 138 points, Draisaitl had 97 points despite missing games, and Bouchard managed 95 points from the blueline. So, the difference remains the roster underneath them.

Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins continue to provide support, while Vasily Podkolzin showed major progress this season. But the Oilers’ depth disappeared against Anaheim. Their bottom six struggled to generate offense, while the defense lacked mobility once injuries mounted.

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Oilers’ window now depends on structural change

The Oilers’ first-round exit exposed problems that have lingered beneath their deep playoff runs in 2024 and 2025. Edmonton allowed 26 goals across 6 games against the Ducks. Its penalty kill collapsed, and the roster looked slower than one of the NHL’s youngest teams.

Goaltending uncertainty also remains central. The decision to move Stuart Skinner and rely on Tristan Jarry backfired badly after Jarry posted an .856 save percentage in the regular season, and played just one playoff game.

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From a roster-building perspective, Edmonton’s challenge is no longer about finding another superstar. It is about building a sustainable lineup around the stars they already have.

Pittsburgh succeeded because Crosby and Malkin were supported by four effective lines and dependable role players who could survive difficult playoff matchups. Edmonton has leaned too heavily on McDavid and Draisaitl to carry flaws elsewhere in the lineup.

With McDavid entering his new two-year $25M contract, the Oilers no longer have time for small fixes. They need a deeper, faster, and more reliable support structure if they want to avoid wasting another prime year of the league’s best player.