Connor McDavid has once again brought NHL hardware home to Edmonton. The Edmonton Oilers captain has been awarded the Ted Lindsay Award for the fifth time in his career, tying Wayne Gretzky for the most wins of the award in NHL history.
Peer Recognition
While the Hart Trophy is often considered the league's premier individual award, the Ted Lindsay Award carries a special significance because it is voted on by the members of the NHL Players' Association. In other words, it is recognition from his peers. Any player will tell you how much that matters.
For McDavid, this is his fifth Lindsay Award. The only other player to win it that many times is Wayne Gretzky, which immediately underscores the rarefied air McDavid now occupies.
Another Art Ross Trophy
McDavid's 48-goal, 90-assist, 138-point season in 2025-26 also earned him the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer. That is his sixth Art Ross Trophy.
For Oilers fans, this achievement is bittersweet. On one hand, it is a reminder of just how privileged they are to enjoy his sublime talent game in and game out. He is a once-in-a-franchise player for a club that has been fortunate to have a couple of those, if not three or four, including Mark Messier and Leon Draisaitl. What a treat.
On the other hand, it is also a stark reminder that despite having the player whom most others say is the best of the best, this era of the Edmonton Oilers has yet to bring home the most sought-after trophy in the sport: the Stanley Cup. As fans are reminded multiple times daily, the clock is ticking, and the sound is getting louder.
Incentive for the Organization
Does McDavid's most recent win provide additional incentive for the organization to convert this roster into a championship one? While the sentiment is understandable, it is unlikely that the head office needs it. General manager Stan Bowman is not an idiot. He knows what he has and what he stands to lose. Another Ted Lindsay Award probably does not influence his decisions.
But for the fans, it probably does. And that is perfectly fair. They are the ones who pay the bulk of the freight for this franchise. As a result, Bowman and company may feel more public pressure because of this award, not less.
However, it is appropriate that for at least one day, the fanbase and certainly McDavid are entitled to just enjoy it and feel good about something. After all, there has been a lot of negativity since Edmonton bowed out in the first round of the playoffs.
Connor McDavid is still considered the best by the guys he plays against. And that is something to celebrate.
