The Edmonton Oilers continue to surge toward the NHL playoffs, powered by another dominant season from Connor McDavid. Yet despite his numbers, debate around the MVP race has taken a surprising turn, drawing a strong reaction from teammate Kasperi Kapanen.
Kapanen did not hold back when asked about McDavid’s place in the conversation. He called it “crazy” that the Oilers captain is being pushed aside in MVP talks, insisting the decision makes little sense.
“Kind of crazy that they’re taking him out of the conversation right now, which makes no sense to me,” Kapanen said. “There are a lot of good players out there, but … it’s a no-brainer for me.”
Kapanen made it clear he sees McDavid as the obvious choice.
The timing of those comments follows one of McDavid’s best performances of the season. In a 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks, he delivered a five-point night that included a hat trick and two assists. It marked his third five-point game this year, further strengthening his case as the league’s most impactful player.
Connor McDavid is the NHL’s points leader in the 2025-26 season
McDavid’s numbers back up the argument. He leads the NHL with 133 points, adding 47 goals and 86 assists through 79 games. His production has come in all situations, from a league-best power play to key even-strength moments. He has also created separation in the scoring race, sitting ahead of Nikita Kucherov’s 128 points, one of his closest challengers.
Beyond stats, McDavid’s influence on the Oilers remains unmatched. His speed, vision, and ability to control games have driven Edmonton (40-29-10) to the top of the Pacific Division. Even in tight contests, he continues to dictate tempo and create chances that shift outcomes. All this while Leon Draisaitl is out injured.
Connor McDavid’s stats in Leon Draisaitl’s absence
McDavid has stepped up big for the Oilers’ success during an 11-game stretch following Draisaitl’s injury. He is averaging nearly two points per game.
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 9 |
| Points Per Game | 1.7 |
| Shots Per Game | 4.5 |
| Rating | +4 |
Oilers’ Stats in Leon Draisaitl’s absence
Despite missing a key superstar in Draisaitl, the Oilers have maintained a winning trajectory.
- Record: 7–3–1
- Points Earned: 15 out of a possible 22
So for the Oilers, McDavid’s consistency and impact leave little room for debate. With the regular season nearing its end, he is also within reach of another 50-goal campaign, adding further weight to his resume.
As MVP discussions intensify, the spotlight remains firmly on McDavid. Whether voters agree or not, his teammates have made their stance clear, and his performances continue to speak just as loudly.
