‘Seriously disappointed by this coaching decision’: Fans react as Oilers unite McDavid and Draisaitl during pre-season

The noise around the Edmonton Oilers continues to get louder as we approach the start of the new campaign. With pre-season underway, the Oilers are trying a variety of line combinations. Still, none got more attention than when head coach Kris Knoblauch told team reporters that Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid would begin the season on the same line.

Before their matchup against the Seattle Kraken, Leon Draisaitl shared his thoughts on the reaction from the hockey world.

“Guys, we’ve done this, 10, 11 years, it’s going to switch, it’s going to go back and forth. I do think it’s probably easier to coach for him, when we’re together, coach the bench. We’ve done this for so long, we know exactly how to flip-flop back and forth, and if we’re together or apart, obviously always excited to play with him, always a pleasure to be on the same line as him, we’ll see where it goes.”

Fans, however, are hesitant about the idea and have been vocal about it online across social media platforms, as many feel the team performs better with the two star players on separate lines.

“Here is my yearly reminder that the early season should be used to figure out some things that work. By the time you hit the stretch, you should know who works with who and who doesn’t. FIGURE OUT WHO CAN BE WINGERS FOR 29/97 ON SEPARATE LINES NOW SO WE AREN’T SCRAMBLING IN APRIL.” — Fivestargc via X

“It’s not even game one of the season and we are already turning to McDrai HAHAHAHHA.” — Leashadawg via X

“This is so stupid. Time and time again, it has been shown that those two driving their own lines is the key to success. The offense becomes completely stagnant outside of the top line, which forces you to run the top line 30+ minutes, which leads to burnout very quick. Dumb.” — Eric Allen via X

“The Oilers are a better hockey team when Leon and Connor are split up, why?” — The Juiceman via X

“This might actually be a good idea. Force the other three lines (especially with 2-3 NHL rookies) to drive play on their own, therefore balancing the roster with scoring threats.” — One for One Podcast via X

“Seriously disappointed by this coaching decision. Maybe having no extension for Knob isn’t a bad thing like I thought it was. McDrai hasn’t been the answer for 10 years now and won’t be this time.” — JenMN72 via X

There’s a sense of pessimism to the McDrai line, that it’s a last-resort option because the rest of the team can’t produce on its own without them. Tonight, against the Kraken, fans will get to see how the two perform, with Trent Frederic on the right wing.

“They want to see how Frederic will play with them both, cause if he can play the Maroon role right now in his prime, that’ll be good for the team and Frederic given the contract he has. Hyman isn’t getting any younger and RNH plays better overall at center. Could also just be Davo wanting to play with Drai specifically.” — thecanehdiansteve via Instagram

“It’s probably to see how Frederic plays with either one of them. We all know Knoblauch switches the lines throughout the game. Nothing to look into.” — Mr. gjerde via Instagram

“I like the logic tbh, it makes sense to give everyone else ice time and pretty much guarantee some results from the top line.” — Kianmarz via TikTok

“I like his reasoning [Knoblauch]. But we did see [Kapanen], Drai, Podz work really well in the playoffs.” — Tequila Hulk via TikTok

“I feel like McDavid and Drai do a lot more with others than they do with each other. Also, spreading out their talent on two lines is what made us so dangerous. Yeah, it’s nice to see 97 and 29 creating magic but it’s not necessary. Unless they want the other lines to step up, I can see it.” — GetawayDreamer via TikTok

Whenever the two are on the same line together, it always sparks a conversation around Oilersnation. To some, this may not be news, as it has happened so many times in the past, but for others, they want the coaching staff to stop this.

Kris Knoblauch has his reasons for this decision. Especially with Zach Hyman slated to return to the lineup in early November, the Oilers likely want insurance on that top line and to see if the other forwards can create offense on their own without the reliance on 29 and 97.

It’s important to remember that the lines do change mid-game; there’s no guarantee that McDavid and Draisaitl will play each even-strength minute together.

This is just one of many decisions the Oilers coaching staff will have to make ahead of the team’s home opener on October 8 against the Calgary Flames.