Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid hasn't been at his best in the Oilers last stretch of games, and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman is suggesting a reason why.

Connor McDavid scored the winning goal in Canada's 3-2 overtime victory against the United States in the championship game of the 4 Nations Face-Off on Feb. 20, 2025. Although the round-robin tournament was merely just a midseason exhibition,

McDavid, 28, is in his 10th season in the NHL after being drafted first overall back in 2015. The three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner may be having a down season statistically, but his focus remains on winning a Stanley Cup—especially after falling one game short against the Florida Panthers last year.

The Oilers have a big Connor McDavid contract negotiation looming but cannot trade Evan Bouchard to make it work.

Connor McDavid is, in the eyes of almost any hockey fan, the best player in the world. The Oilers’ forward, who has dominated the league for years, is truly in a class of his own. We’ve notably seen him at the 4 Nations Confrontation: he’s the one who stood up to score the golden goal

McDavid played a key role in Team Canada's 4 Nation's Face-Off victory and showcased the elite skills that have earned him millions in the NHL.