Edmonton Oilers

Bigger and Better Things: McDavid Aims Incredibly High in 2025

Connor McDavid celebrated his 28th birthday yesterday. What is he looking to accomplish this coming season with the Oilers?

by
Old Prof
January 14, 2025

After scoring the game-winning goal as a gift to himself on his 28th birthday to lead the Edmonton Oilers to a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings, Oilers captain Connor McDavid was interviewed by Gene Principe. The interview partially reflected on his past year and his future ambitions – both personal and professional.

Principe asked McDavid to touch on last season’s highs (including coming so close in the Stanley Cup Final). Not surprisingly, McDavid was optimistic about his team’s chances. He was also determined to take the Oilers to even greater success during his 28th year. That means the Stanley Cup.

Connor McDavid contract talks Oilers — Connor McDavid hopes to take his Oilers to the Cup this season.

McDavid’s past season was filled with both personal and professional achievements. He became the fourth player to put up 100 assists in a single NHL season. With that milestone, he joined Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr. That’s pretty heady company.

As noted, his leadership also helped guide the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final last year. While it was a huge step forward for the team, there’s more to gain. McDavid also married his longtime partner, Lauren Kyle, which added to a year full of joyous moments.

For McDavid, A Defensive Mindset Brings “Bigger and Better Things”

McDavid knows that if the Oilers are to win the Stanley Cup, they must become a defensively responsible team. That means patience and discipline and a change to their playing style. Their recent win over the Kings showed they can shift to a move physical and defensively sound approach.

McDavid’s physical play led to a critical 4-on-4 sequence and his game-winning goal. If McDavid can lead through a shift in his playing style, others will be willing to do whatever it takes to win.

Looking Ahead for McDavid and the Oilers

McDavid was asked about his 2024 year and all of the things that happened in his life. When prodded for comment on 2025, it was clear he wasn’t satisfied.

As McDavid enters his 28th year, he and the Oilers strive for even greater success. With his eyes on “bigger and better things,” McDavid could be on the verge of solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greatest talents and as a Stanley Cup champion. If his evolution continues, this season could be the one that defines both his career and the future of the Oilers.