Edmonton Oilers

Jack Eichel’s New Mindset Highlights Frustrating Start for Oilers’ McDavid

Delve into the striking difference between McDavid and Eichel’s shooting strategies this NHL season. Why is McDavid hesitating?

by
NHL Trade Talk
October 17, 2025

Jack Eichel decided that he was going to shoot more this season. In five games played, he leads the NHL with 27 shots, and the decision is paying off. He’s got 11 points in five games, and the Golden Knights are off to a 3-0-2 start.

For the Oilers, Eichel’s new mindset highlights a growing frustration in Edmonton, where Connor McDavid hasn’t scored a goal this season. Following off-season comments that he wanted to score more, McDavid continues to pass the puck and forego shooting opportunities. If Eichel can generate 40 shot attempts in just five games, what is McDavid’s reasoning behind having only 15 shots and ranking 40th in the NHL?

Eichel is averaging eight shot attempts and 5.4 shots on goal per game, proving that volume shooting can be an effective strategy. Contrast that with McDavid, who continues to look for the perfect pass instead of taking shots in key moments. It’s no wonder Oilers fans, for as much as they love McDavid, are becoming impatient.

The Oilers’ Loss to the Islanders Was a Great Example of McDavid’s Lack Of Shooting

Thursday night’s 3-2 deficit (ultimately a 4-2 loss) against the New York Islanders offered a perfect example of what’s wrong with McDavid’s game right now. McDavid opted to pass to defenseman Troy Stecher from the slot rather than firing on goal with space in front. In McDavid’s defense, the puck was bobbling a bit, but knowing that the other option was giving it to a defenseman on his off-hand when a shot was open in front is a head-scratcher. McDavid was visibly upset after the play, but it wasn’t clear if he was irked at Stecher or at himself.

McDavid gives a possible return date to Oilers lineup

Thursday’s game was a disaster for the Oilers in many ways. From Evan Bouchard’s costly giveaway to McDavid’s missed shooting opportunities, the Oilers struggled with consistency and urgency against a winless team. Edmonton, and specifically McDavid, talked about the Oilers getting off to a fast start. They’ve earned points in several games, but have only looked sharp against Vancouver. McDavid has points, but no goals. For a player who wanted to score 50, he’ll need to change his mindset.

Eichel’s approach is a reminder that sometimes the simplest play—just shoot the puck—can be the most effective.

Next: When Do the Oilers Reach a Breaking Point With Evan Bouchard?