What's next for Connor McDavid? How first-round loss to Ducks impacts star's future with Oilers
The focus for Edmonton turns to the offseason, as the Oilers' have to find a way to breakthrough in what could be Connor McDavid's last season with the club.
What's next for Connor McDavid? How first-round loss to Ducks impacts star's future with Oilers originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Edmonton Oilers fell short in a disappointing playoff showing, losing to the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the playoffs. The Oilers came close to winning the Stanley Cup over the last two years and entered 2026 with expectations of returning to the Final. However, Edmonton once again had goaltending problems and couldn't solve its defensive issues despite employing Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
The focus for Edmonton now turns to the offseason, as the Oilers have to find a way to break through in McDavid's prime. Here's a look at what's next for the Oilers. SN's NHL HQ: Live NHL scores | Updated NHL standings | Full NHL schedule What's next for Connor McDavid?
For the first time since 2021, McDavid was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, which will give him a much longer time to rest. In the previous two years, McDavid and the Oilers played in the Stanley Cup Final, which led to shorter offseasons and quick turnarounds. Now, McDavid will have time to think about his future and how the Oilers can approach the final two years of his deal.