After back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, the Edmonton Oilers endured a stunning first-round collapse against Anaheim, laying bare long-standing defensive cracks and depth concerns. With the franchise shaken by this abrupt exit, a former NHLer has delivered a blunt warning to the fanbase about the distant possibility of Connor McDavid’s exit, a man who has repeatedly said his goal is to win the Cup with Edmonton.
As talk grows around the captain’s future, former NHLer Ryan Whitney used his podcast to deliver a clear message, urging fans to avoid “moronic” backlash if the league’s most prolific scorer chooses to move on.
Whitney Warns Fans As Connor McDavid’s Oilers Future Becomes a Talking Point
Former NHL forward Ryan Whitney did not hold back when addressing how fans should respond if McDavid ever considers leaving Edmonton. Speaking on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Whitney made it clear that frustration should not turn into blame toward the player who has carried the team for years.
“It’s crazy, and Oilers fans may be mad, but if they are not great next year and they do not win, and Connor moves on, and you do not like or you hate Connor McDavid for that, you have to go touch some grass, buddy,” Whitney said.
Whitney also pointed to McDavid’s long-term impact and sacrifice, adding, “Look at what this guy has done. Look at the player you have. Look at what he has given for a long time. He takes $12.5 million on a two-year extension just to try to leave some money for the team and to try to build a roster that can win a Stanley Cup. If he ever does leave and fans do not like him, those fans are morons.”
These comments come at a time when McDavid’s future has predictably become a talking point. The Oilers’ playoffs run ended earlier than expected, marking their quickest exit in years following consecutive Final appearances in 2024 and 2025. This time, they fell to the Anaheim Ducks in six games, unable to overcome familiar issues.
The 2025–26 season revealed deeper problems within the roster. Edmonton struggled defensively, finishing near the bottom of the league in goals allowed (3.23), while the gap between its top stars and supporting cast became more noticeable.
Even when the team opened the scoring, they often failed to hold onto leads, which proved costly in the playoffs. Special teams also failed, with the penalty kill allowing crucial goals and the power play losing its regular-season edge (they led the league with 30.6%).
Injuries only made the situation harder to manage. McDavid played through an ankle issue and a broken foot, while Leon Draisaitl returned from a lower-body injury and never quite looked at full strength. Several role players also missed time at various points in the season, leaving the lineup thin against a younger, quicker Ducks team.
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Despite these setbacks, McDavid’s commitment to winning in Edmonton remains evident. He signed a two-year extension in October 2025 worth $25 million, keeping his cap hit at $12.5 million. The deal gives the team room to improve the roster while allowing him to reassess the direction in 2028.
McDavid has produced at an elite level and accepted a team-friendly deal to help build a contender. If results still fall short, the conversation may shift from loyalty to opportunity, and that is where the reaction around him will matter most.
