Breaking: Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid Aims to Show He’s ‘Not Some 18-Year-Old Kid Anymore’
Edmonton, Alberta — Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is making a bold statement ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season: he’s grown, evolved, and is more focused than ever. In a candid moment during a press availability at Rogers Place on Tuesday, McDavid addressed the pressures, expectations, and misconceptions that have followed him since he entered the NHL as an 18-year-old phenom.
“I want people to understand — I’m not some 18-year-old kid anymore,” McDavid said. “I’ve been through a lot in this league. I’ve learned. I’ve led. I’ve failed. And I’ve grown. This year, it’s time to show that growth.”
The message was clear. The man once dubbed the “Next One” — a generational talent who took the NHL by storm with his blinding speed and unmatched vision — is now entering a new phase of his career. More than just the face of the franchise, McDavid is embracing the responsibility of leadership in all its forms: on the ice, in the locker room, and throughout the Edmonton community.
A Journey of Talent and Tenacity
Since being selected first overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, McDavid has delivered on the sky-high expectations placed on him. With multiple Art Ross and Hart Trophy wins, a Ted Lindsay Award, and countless highlight-reel moments, he’s consistently dazzled fans and opponents alike. But the narrative surrounding McDavid has often centered on his individual brilliance rather than team accomplishments.
“I’ve always wanted to win, not just score,” Mc