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Connor McDavid is one step closer to completing a decade-long journey with the Edmonton Oilers. As the Oilers gear up to face the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place, McDavid shared a heartfelt story from his early days—one that highlights how deep-rooted the team's bond is.
A Turning Point in Oilers’ History
April 18, 2015, is etched in Oilers’ history. That day, the NHL Draft Lottery dramatically shifted their future. The Edmonton Oilers jumped from third to first, giving them the chance to select Connor McDavid—a generational talent compared to Sidney Crosby.
Everyone knew what was coming. The city buzzed with anticipation, even before the official draft night on June 26. For Edmonton, hope had arrived early. And inside the Oilers’ dressing room, players felt that excitement too.
Nugent-Hopkins Sends a Warm Welcome
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the team’s longest-serving player, couldn’t hold back. Just days after the lottery, he sent McDavid a text welcoming him to the Oilers—even before the front office had made it official.
“He was one of the first people ever to reach out,” McDavid recalled. “At first, I thought it was a joke. I didn’t believe it.”
But the message was genuine. Nugent-Hopkins, drafted first overall in 2011, had a good feeling about what was coming.
“I was confident we were taking you,” Nugent-Hopkins said with a smile. “It was pretty wild. Everyone in Edmonton was pumped. Maybe I jumped the gun, but we all knew.”
From Draft Picks to Stanley Cup Finalists
Now, nearly ten years later, both players are chasing hockey’s biggest prize together again. The 2025 Stanley Cup Final marks their second consecutive appearance.
“It means a lot,” McDavid said. “We’ve been teammates for a decade now. It’s special. This time of year, the family room gets filled with parents, siblings, friends—it becomes a celebration of everyone’s journey.”
Their bond, built over years of triumphs and setbacks, is evident on and off the ice.
McDavid’s MVP-Worthy Legacy
McDavid’s impact is undeniable. In last year’s Stanley Cup Final, even though the Oilers fell to the Panthers in seven games, he was named Playoffs MVP. With 42 points (eight goals, 34 assists) in 25 games, he led all scorers.
He continues that dominance this season with 28 points (six goals, 22 assists) in 17 playoff games. His eyes remain fixed on the Cup.
“People are coming from far and wide to support us,” McDavid said. “That energy means everything.”
Oilers Aim for Redemption
The Oilers are more than just a team chasing victory—they’re a story of belief, brotherhood, and long-awaited success. The shared memories—from a draft day text to chasing the Cup—give this journey its emotional core.
Game 2 offers a chance to even the series and push closer to the ultimate goal: bringing the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton.
As McDavid and Nugent-Hopkins prepare for another shot at glory, their story continues to inspire a city, a franchise, and fans across the world.
