Analyst Craig Button points out Oilers’ blue line weakness as barrier to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl's Cup aspiration

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Oct 06, 2024 11:41 GMT

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are key players for the Edmonton Oilers, but analyst Craig Button is worried about the team's chances of winning the Stanley Cup. He believes the blue line needs major upgrades to support them better.

Last season, the Oilers reached Game 7 of the playoffs but lost to the Florida Panthers. This summer brought changes that make some wonder if the team is strong enough.

"(1:01) As great as McDavid and Draisaitl have been and are, they can't win a Stanley Cup, in my view, with the blue line as currently constructed. It needs really significant improvement," Button said (via TSN on Friday).

Button points out that losing young players like Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to offer sheets was a setback. He believes the Oilers need to find a strong defenseman before the trade deadline.

Despite having a top pairing of Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard, the analyst thinks they need more depth on defense. He argues that, even with McDavid and Draisaitl's talent, the defense isn’t good enough to win the Cup.

Furthermore, analyst Mike Johnson agrees with Button, stating that the Oilers know about their defensive issues. Johnson believes the Oilers have cap flexibility, which will help them make smart moves during the season.

Talking about the blue line's right side, losing Broberg and Cody Ceci doesn't look good. However, the situation isn’t as bad as it seems. Players like Troy Stecher and Ty Emberson could step up and play solid minutes.

The Oilers have a strong forward group, but the big question is if they can win without a better blue line. Their decisions in the coming months will show how well they can support Connor McDavid and Draisaitl.

Why did Connor McDavid turn down the Conn Smythe Trophy?

After the Edmonton Oilers lost to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Connor McDavid declined the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player in the playoffs.

McDavid had an impressive playoff run, scoring 42 points in 25 games. However, he felt the team’s loss mattered more than personal awards.

"We lost in the most heartbreaking way. It was a moment that I will never forget ever. I wouldn’t have gone out there for a million dollars," McDavid said.

Connor McDavid chose to stay with his teammates during this difficult time.