A Connor McDavid-less future looks grim for Oilers based on The Athletic’s NHL Pipeline Rankings
Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid is entering the first year of a new contract, but it is just a two-year deal.
Connor McDavid is one of the best players in the world. He has also been the cornerstone of the Edmonton Oilers since making his NHL debut in 2015-16. Ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, McDavid signed an extension with the Oilers that takes effect this upcoming year. Surprisingly, it was just a two-year deal, which means there is the possibility of a McDavid-less future in Edmonton.
Now, The Athletic’s Corey Pronman is releasing his NHL Pipeline Rankings, and a future without McDavid looks bleak.
The NHL Pipeline rankings took a look at every team and all of their players who are 22 years old or younger as of September 15. The San Jose Sharks rank first, with players including Macklin Celebrini. Meanwhile, the Oilers ranked 31 out of 32 teams, ahead of only the Colorado Avalanche.
“The second-worst pipeline in our ranking still has two quality pro prospects in Matt Savoie and Rudolfs Berzkalns, who should materially help the Oilers long-term. The problem is that after them, there’s next to nothing in this farm system,” Pronman wrote.
Savoie was the ninth overall selection of the Buffalo Sabres in the 2022 NHL Draft and was traded in the summer of 2024 to the Oilers. Savoie had his first full season in the NHL this past year, playing in 82 games this past year. He scored 18 goals and added 19 assists in 2025-26. The other top prospect was Berzkalns, who has yet to make his NHL debut.
“Bērzkalns is a clear NHL-caliber athlete. He’s a big, strong center with good foot speed and the ability to overpower junior defenders. He has direct skill and can beat opponents one-on-one. He’s not overly creative with the puck, and the way he attacks is basic. His two-way play and effort level are good enough, though, that he could become a useful bottom-six forward/depth player,” Pronman added about the 18-year-old.
The rest of the top prospects were seen as fringe NHL players at best, meaning if McDavid walks, there may not be anything in the pipeline to take his place.
Connor McDavid is one of the best players in the world. He has also been the cornerstone of the Edmonton Oilers since making his NHL debut in 2015-16. Ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, McDavid signed an extension with the Oilers that takes effect this upcoming year. Surprisingly, it was just a two-year deal, which means there is the possibility of a McDavid-less future in Edmonton.