The hockey world was set ablaze this week with murmurs of the ultimate blockbuster: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid potentially landing with the Pittsburgh Penguins. But before you rush out to buy a No. 97 Penguins jersey, let’s separate fact from fiction. According to Josh Yohe of The Athletic, while a trade to Pittsburgh seems like an incredible longshot, there is one undeniable X-factor keeping the rumor mill churning: the massive allure of playing alongside Sidney Crosby.
To reward your click right away, no, I do not expect Connor McDavid to be traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins this offseason. While the idea of uniting the two greatest players of their respective generations sounds like a video game fantasy, the reality of the NHL salary cap and the Penguins’ current competitive timeline makes it highly improbable. The Edmonton Oilers aren’t going to give away the best player in the world without a king’s ransom, even with Pittsburgh’s surprisingly deep prospect pool. Let’s dive into the real reasons why this rumor exists, and where McDavid is actually more likely to end up if he leaves Edmonton.
Why the Edmonton Oilers Might Trade Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid has reached the absolute inflection point of his illustrious career. He has the Hart Trophies, the Art Ross Trophies, and the jaw-dropping, highlight-reel goals. But to cement his legacy among the game’s elite superstars like Gretzky, Lemieux, and Crosby, he needs to win a Stanley Cup. It’s that simple. He will inevitably want to join a team that gives him the absolute best opportunity to achieve that ultimate goal. If the Edmonton Oilers continue to fall short, the whispers of McDavid seeking a trade will turn into roars.
Assessing the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Trade Assets and Timeline
From my perspective covering the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins just don’t make sense for a player in McDavid’s specific situation. If McDavid wants to leave Edmonton to win immediately, why would he waive a no-move clause to join a team actively transitioning into a rebuilding process? Yes, playing with Crosby is a dream for any hockey player, but Pittsburgh simply isn’t constructed to win a Cup right now. He is highly unlikely to have the Penguins on his list of preferred trade destinations.
So, if not Pittsburgh, then where? Keep your eyes locked on the Toronto Maple Leafs. McDavid has long been linked to his hometown team. If the Leafs manage to convince Auston Matthews to stay long-term, and if they strike gold drafting a prospect like Gavin McKenna who turns into a superstar in the making, the landscape changes dramatically. We could very well see McDavid headed to Toronto in two years’ time when his current contract expires and he becomes the most sought-after unrestricted free agent in NHL history.
Connor McDavid Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 794 | 409 | 811 | 1220 | 186 |
| Playoffs | 102 | 45 | 111 | 156 | 23 |
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