Former Edmonton Oilers coach Dave Tippett compared Connor McDavid to Mario Lemieux while defending the superstar’s approach and playoff record.
Tippett coached McDavid from 2019 to 2022 and saw his development through several dominant NHL regular seasons. Speaking on the Spittin Chiclets podcast, Tippett described McDavid as a player who rarely seeks attention.
Ryan Whitney first asked whether McDavid’s serious personality could sometimes limit his ability to relax.
“I think he loosens up all the time with his teammates behind the scenes,” Tippett said. “But that’s good to hear. You remember how Mario was?”
Tippett then explained the similarities he sees between the two legends.
“Mario was very stoic, low-profile,” Tippett said. “Never liked the media much, like just very cognizant of everything that’s going around them.”
“That’s how he is,” Tippett added. “His play is like [crazy]. He could play on a winning team anywhere.”
The comparison reflects more than McDavid’s talent. Tippett sees a similar personality, where exceptional players remain private despite enormous attention.
McDavid has also faced repeated criticism because Edmonton has not won the Stanley Cup during his career.
Tippett believes Connor McDavid will eventually win the Stanley Cup
Tippett believes that criticism misses the larger picture.
“He needs to keep at it,” Tippett said. “He’s gonna find his day. It’s incredible the things he does and at a speed he does.”
Tippett also praised McDavid’s preparation and understanding of the game.
“Just the way he takes care of himself,” Tippett said. “Knowledgeable about the game. Understands what’s going on.”
However, Tippett identified one unusual trait that concerned him during McDavid’s regular-season dominance.
“There’s times when he had an unbelievable game, like five points,” Tippett said. “He was almost embarrassed by his success.”
Tippett wondered whether McDavid sometimes tried to downplay his performances afterward. He said that tendency did not carry into the playoffs.
“During playoffs, he always wanted to play top-notch,” Tippett said.
McDavid’s individual production has remained extraordinary, but the Oilers have struggled to finish the job. Edmonton reached consecutive Stanley Cup Finals before suffering a first-round exit in 2026.
MORE: Oilers’ Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl face limited ice-time change under Mike Babcock
Tippett remains confident that McDavid will eventually lift the Cup.
“He’ll win. He’ll win. He’ll win someday,” Tippett said. “I predict that.”
The timing remains uncertain, especially after another offseason of changes in Edmonton. Still, Tippett’s comparison places McDavid alongside one of hockey’s greatest private and dominant superstars.
