Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid have taken their rivalry to a smaller stage in a new McDonald’s Commercial. The captains of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers star in McDonald’s Canada’s new NHL Star Sticks campaign. The commercial debuted Monday night during Toronto’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
In the spot, animated versions of Matthews and McDavid shrink down for a mini showdown. They skate around burgers and drinks while using their own collectible Star Sticks. The two deke through fries and fire pucks into ketchup-packet nets. One shot splashes into a customer’s drink, and both stars quickly try to pass the blame.
The McDonald’s Commercial campaign builds off last year’s popular showdown ad. This time, McDonald’s leans into nostalgia with mini sticks tied to a limited-time meal. The NHL Star Sticks Meal launches March 3 across Canada. Each combo includes fries, a drink, a choice of entrée, and one collectible stick.
The lineup features seven players, including Matthews and McDavid. Fans can also collect sticks tied to Macklin Celebrini, Quinn Hughes, Cale Makar, Sam Reinhart, and Samuel Montembeault. The Hockey Hero Burger returns as part of the promotion. It stacks three Canadian beef patties with bacon, cheese, lettuce, and sauce on a toasted bun.
“It’s exciting to team up with McDonald’s again,” Oilers star McDavid said. “And this time around we’re giving fans a mini hockey experience.”
And it all started with a post from McDavid, who wrote, “Need a smaller stick for this… @AM34.”
McDavid and Matthews’ friendly rivalry continues off the ice, now in bite-sized form.
McDavid, Matthews Under Pressure as Oilers and Leafs Battle for 2026 Playoffs
While they trade laughs in the McDonald’s Commercial, both captains face serious pressure in the 2025-26 season.
McDavid leads Edmonton with 35 goals and 68 assists for 103 points in 61 games. The Oilers sit 29-24-8 and remain in the Pacific Division race. After two straight Stanley Cup Final losses, expectations remain high.
Matthews has 26 goals and 25 assists in 55 games. Toronto holds a 27-24-10 record and fights to stay in the Atlantic Division picture. The Leafs score 3.20 goals per game but struggle in their own zone.
Also read: “No 6 D-man”: Darnell Nurse Under Fire After Oilers Drop 5-4 Decision in San Jose
Both teams lean heavily on their captains down the stretch. McDavid drives Edmonton’s attack with speed and vision, but needs roster depth. Matthews must balance scoring with stronger defensive play.
The mini showdown in McDonald’s Commercial may be lighthearted, but the playoff chase is not.
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