Connor McDavid is carrying a significant workload for the Edmonton Oilers this 2026-27 NHL season. However, former Oilers head coach Todd McLellan believes the superstar can handle the demanding minutes.
Oilers analyst Jason Gregor shared McLellan’s comments on X after revisiting an old debate about McDavid’s ice time. Former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock previously suggested McLellan played McDavid and Leon Draisaitl too much during his time in Edmonton.
Now coaching the Oilers himself, Babcock has McDavid averaging nearly 24 minutes per game. Gregor noted that the forward’s average ice time has reached a career high.
McLellan was asked whether Babcock might view the situation differently now that he coaches McDavid.
“He (McDavid) is the best player in the world right now, and in my opinion it isn’t close,” McLellan said. “He’s healthy, he can handle those minutes and he has an engine that is incredible.”
McLellan also explained why coaches find it difficult to keep elite players off the ice during important moments.
“When the whistle goes, those types of players look back at you when you are on the bench, put me out there,” he said. “It is hard not to put them out there because you are trying to win games.”
Connor McDavid’s minutes reflect Oilers’ dependence
McLellan made it clear that he would also give McDavid heavy minutes under similar circumstances.
“He’s not tired, he’s not hurt, he’s not anything other than playing well,” McLellan said. “I don’t blame Mike, I’d play him that much too.”
McDavid’s workload comes as Edmonton relies heavily on its offensive stars. His ability to create chances and drive the attack makes him difficult to replace during crucial stretches.
However, Babcock still needs to manage the team’s overall workload. Heavy minutes can become a concern over a long NHL season, particularly if Edmonton reaches the playoffs.
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Babcock recently described the Oilers as a work in progress, admitting his assessment of the team’s play has fluctuated.
“We’re a work in progress,” Babcock said. “The bottom line is we just gotta keep plugging away.”
For now, McLellan sees little reason to reduce McDavid’s role while the superstar remains healthy and productive.
