Connor McDavid reportedly asked Oilers to not trade depth forward

It’s not clear exactly how vocal McDavid was or how that conversation went, but Holland got the message loud and clear and moved other pieces instead.

McDavid Appears to Have Been Right

As the 2023-24 season kicked off, Foegele proved McDavid right with his outstanding performance. In the early games of the season, Foegele showcased his skill and determination, tallying three goals and five points in 11 games. He even found himself skating alongside McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, a combination that led the Oilers to a victory against the Flames in the Heritage Classic.

Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft also praised Foegele’s game, highlighting his simplicity, speed and focus on continuous improvement. Foegele’s versatility and willingness to put in the hard work have earned him increased ice time and recognition within the team.

Keeping Foegele Came at a Cost

The decision to retain Foegele, however, came at a cost for the Oilers. Winger Kailer Yamamoto wound up in Seattle, and Klim Kostin was traded to Detroit after demanding a higher salary than the Oilers were willing to pay. A solid trade-deadline acquisition in Nick Bjugstad departed for Arizona, securing a contract that the Oilers couldn’t match. The Oilers might not have been able to keep all three if Foegele was moved, but undeniably, one or two of those players would still be around.

As the Oilers navigate the challenges of the season, Foegele’s presence stands out as a testament to their desire to keep effective forwards and appease McDavid. The hope is that winger can continue to make a meaningful impact, driving the Oilers toward success on the ice. So far this season, that hasn’t happened.