Dear Edmonton Oilers family,
As I sit down to write this, I am overcome with emotion: thanks, pride, love, and a strong sense of belonging. This letter is from the heart, and while words can never truly reflect the depth of my emotions, I’d like to use this opportunity to offer my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has accompanied me on this great journey.
To the Edmonton Oilers organization, thank you for believing in me from the beginning. You’ve accepted me as a person as well as a player since the day I was drafted. You provided me the opportunity to grow, lead, fail and rise again, and pursue greatness in the jersey of legends. Your faith in me has served as the cornerstone for my development, both as a centerman and as a person. For this, I am eternally grateful.
To my coaches, teammates, and staff, both past and present, you have been my battle brothers, mentors, and daily sources of inspiration. We’ve shared triumphs and heartbreaks, late nights and beautiful victories. The camaraderie we’ve formed in the locker room and on the ice is one I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. Hockey is a team sport, and any success I’ve had is the result of being surrounded by men who gave their all for the crest on our chests.
To Edmonton Oilers fans, you are truly one of a kind. From the chilly evenings when Rogers Place was still crowded, to the highs of playoff runs and the lows we had to face together, you never left. Your shouts, signs, and unshakable belief in us have given me strength with every step I’ve taken. You did more than just cheer me on; you made me feel like family. You increased the bar and motivated us to fight harder every shift.
Thank you, Edmonton community, for giving a place where I could thrive—not just on the ice, but in life. Your warmth, kindness, and dedication to this team and city are qualities I have never taken for granted. Whether it’s a quiet hello at the grocery store or a little youngster on the outdoor rink dreaming of the big leagues, our neighborhood has always felt unique. You’ve allowed me to be more than simply a hockey player; you’ve let me be myself.
I look ahead with purpose and fire in my heart. The job is not finished. Our aspirations remain high. But, whatever the future holds, I will never forget who supported me through it all. This letter is not a departure, but a tribute. A dedication to everything we’ve created together.
Thank you, Edmonton, for providing me the best gift any athlete could ask for: a place to call home.
With my whole heart,
Connor McDavid,
#97,
Captain of the Edmonton Oilers.