It’s a real-life fever for the Edmonton Oilers fans.
Connor McDavid has already lost two Stanley Cups, and it’s uncertain if he will make it back. McDavid could just say I want to be traded away.
After coming up short last season against the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, 4-2, the Oilers could definitely be facing some hard questions about their roster. The Oilers remain one of the best contenders, but the last couple of years have not looked so promising. McDavid has spent his whole career with the Oilers, and he has built himself into one of the greatest hockey players ever. But if the Oilers cannot win it all, could McDavid go elsewhere?
Now two weeks into the 2026-27 season, the conversation continues about McDavid’s future with the Oilers. If McDavid ever decided it was time for a change, then we know several teams would go after him.
Landing Spots For Connor McDavid
1. Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens have been on a Stanley Cup drought since 1993. There is no need for the Canadiens to rebuild, especially when they made it to the Stanley Cup Final last season. But imagine the addition of McDavid alongside Cole Califield and Nick Suzuki; that would be a powerful team and true contenders for the Cup.
The Canadiens definitely have the prospects and talented players if they need to acquire him in a trade. The only problem would be that the Canadiens’ salary cap is quite high for McDavid, but you could always make a change to make room.
If the Canadiens were to land McDavid, they would be true contenders for the Stanley Cup, and a coach like Martin St. Louis would love an addition like that.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are true contenders for the Stanley Cup every year. They’re always one of the top teams in their division, led by one of the greatest coaches, John Cooper. Since the run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2022, the Lightning have not won a playoff series, a drought that has lasted four seasons.
They’re still a great team. Tampa Bay is a team that is not afraid to make crazy moves to make their roster better.
Point’s no-movement clause is definitely interesting; that could mean the Oilers could go after him if he wants to leave.
Nikita Kucherov is entering the final year of his eight-year, $76 million contract ($9.5 million AAV) with the Lightning and can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2027. McDavid would love a place like the Lightning because he would have a better chance at winning the Stanley Cup, and imagine the team he would play with.
3. Toronto Maple Leafs
McDavid grew up in Toronto, and he liked the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs are coming off a disappointing season, not reaching the playoffs. There are always rumors that McDavid will leave and the top destination is always said to be the Leafs because he grew up there, but they’re not true contenders for the Cup at this time.
The Maple Leafs might not want McDavid right away because they are trying to rebuild this team. They could become a much better team with an addition like McDavid in the future, and definitely much more competitive.
Main Image: Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
