Hockey Canada & NHL React to Connor McDavid's 5th Ted Lindsay Trophy

The recognition comes after another dominant season from McDavid. The 29-year-old led the NHL with 138 points, recording 48 goals and 90 assists. He also reached two major career milestones, scoring his 400th NHL goal and collecting his 1,200th point.

Hockey Canada also joined the celebration, writing: "The players have spoken! Congratulations to Connor McDavid for winning the Ted Lindsay Award as NHLPA most outstanding player. "

The Ted Lindsay Award is voted on by members of the NHL Players' Association and recognizes the League's most outstanding player.

McDavid talked about getting recognised by his fellow players, saying, "This award, coming from the guys that you play against every single night and battle against every single night, and to have them recognize me for an award like this means so much."

With five Ted Lindsay Awards, he joins only Wayne Gretzky in NHL history to reach that mark.

But the honor arrives during a complicated period for the Oilers. Despite McDavid's brilliance, Edmonton endured a disappointing 2025-26 season, exiting in the first round after entering the year with Stanley Cup expectations.

Oilers' defensive struggles, inconsistent goaltending and reduced roster depth prevented the team from matching its previous playoff success (2 consecutive Stanley Cup final appearances in 2024 and 2025).

So, McDavid's latest award reinforces a familiar reality. His individual performance remains unmatched, but Edmonton's challenge is turning that excellence into another championship run. As the franchise enters a critical offseason, the gap between McDavid's personal achievements and the team's ultimate goal remains the biggest storyline surrounding the Oilers.