Connor McDavid added another major individual honor to his historic resume, but the reaction from hockey fans quickly shifted attention back to the one trophy that continues to elude him.
The Edmonton Oilers captain was surprised with his fifth Ted Lindsay Award at Magna Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario. The award, voted on by fellow NHL players, recognizes the League’s most outstanding player. McDavid’s wife Lauren, his parents Brian and Kelly, brother Cam, and several childhood friends participated in the surprise presentation.
MORE: ‘On the same page’: Stan Bowman addresses Connor McDavid’s future after Oilers’ NHL playoffs exit
Following the announcement, the NHL celebrated the achievement on X, posting, “Connor, you’re gonna need a bigger trophy case. 😳”
The league also highlighted his collection of:
- 6 Art Ross Trophies,
- 3 Hart Trophies,
- 1 Conn Smythe Trophy,
- 1 Rocket Richard Trophy
- And now 5 Ted Lindsay Awards.
However, much of the fan response centered on McDavid’s lack of a Stanley Cup championship.
“Dude has won everything except the Stanley Cup,” one fan wrote.
Another added, “0 – zero Lord Stanley’s! And he won’t have any if he stays with the Oilers.”
A third fan called, “Still missing the only one that matters because he plays for the worst managed team in NHL history.”
Meanwhile, another fan said, “Will be a travesty if he ends his career without a cup.”
“And 0 Stanley Cups. Someone please free this dude from this hellhole,” A fan pleaded.
A fan mentioned, writing, “Man, he’s gonna be the greatest player to never win a Stanley Cup, signing those extensions with Edmonton is gonna be the biggest regret of his career.”
Connor McDavid’s individual greatness remains beyond debate
The criticism arrives despite another dominant season from McDavid. He led the NHL with 138 points, recording 48 goals and 90 assists while once again driving Edmonton’s offense. His fifth Lindsay Award places him alongside only Wayne Gretzky as the only players to win the honor five times.
The significance of the award should not be overlooked. Unlike media-voted trophies, the Lindsay Award comes directly from fellow players. Across the league, McDavid remains the benchmark for excellence.
MORE: Connor McDavid says Oilers were ‘too hurt too soon’ after NHL playoff exit
“This award, coming from the guys that you play against every single night and battle against every single night, and to have them recognize me for an award like this means so much,” Connor said about winning the trophy.
Yet the reaction illustrates a reality that often follows superstar athletes. Individual awards enhance a legacy, but championships ultimately shape public perception.
Oilers face growing pressure to maximize McDavid era
The backlash says more about Edmonton than it does about McDavid.
MORE: Oilers’ flaws exposed despite Connor McDavid & Leon Draisaitl, says P.K. Subban
The Oilers entered 2025-26 with Stanley Cup expectations after consecutive trips to the Final. Instead, they exited in the first round against the Anaheim Ducks and finished with a 41-30-11 record. Defensive issues, inconsistent goaltending, injuries and a lack of bottom-six production exposed weaknesses throughout the roster.
McDavid’s performance was never the problem. The larger concern is whether management can build a deeper, more balanced team around him. With coaching changes, McDavid’s contract entering a new 2-year window ($25 million deal), and roster decisions ahead, the organization faces a pivotal offseason.
MORE: Vegas fires back at Connor McDavid’s ‘Pillow Fight’ narrative after Stanley Cup Final clincher
The Ted Lindsay Award confirms McDavid remains hockey’s premier player. The challenge for Edmonton is ensuring that future celebrations include team success, not just individual milestones.
