Connor McDavid’s start to the 2025-26 season has been uncharacteristically quiet, raising eyebrows as to why he repeatedly chooses to miss shooting opportunities. In the Edmonton Oilers’ recent 3-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken, McDavid recorded no goals, no assists, zero shots and only two faceoff wins on twelve attempts, finishing the night with a -2 rating. Despite logging 24:43 of ice time, including more than ten minutes in the third period, he did not register a single shot attempt in the game.
Even for a player who seems to be shooting less in every game this season, that’s alarming.
McDavid is currently averaging the lowest number of shots per 60 minutes of his NHL career. As one observer noted, “McDavid has such a nice, fast release. I’d love to see this assertive version of 97 return.” Most Oilers fans agree. It’s especially strange considering what he said was his personal goal coming this season.
Speaking to Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, McDavid acknowledged that he wanted to increase his goal total: “I want to prove that scoring 50 or 60 isn’t a one-time thing. Part of my talent is the ability to change your mind. But sometimes it can take you from shooting the puck to the net, to the whole, whatever it is.”
Yet he just doesn’t shoot.
If McDavid has something to prove, the Canucks could be in trouble
The Oilers’ problems are certainly partly the result of McDavid struggling to find his rhythm. That said, Saturday’s performance against Seattle, where he had no shots, is beyond anomalous. McDavid has been made aware that the Canucks – who play the Oilers on Sunday night – should be ready to be shot by him.
The idea of McDavid going two games without shots seems like a tall order.
McDavid’s next chance to bounce back comes with a turnaround of just 21 hours. That’s just enough time for McDavid to improve on his performance against Seattle, but perhaps not enough time to let it go.
Next: Oilers fans divided over change behind the bench amid team’s 4-4-1 start
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