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Connor McDavid sends strong message to Oilers management before trade deadline

Originally posted on Oilers Daily | By Liam McCormick | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 4:29 PM ET

With the NHL trade deadline approaching this week, Oilers superstar Connor McDavid is expecting management to make a big addition to the team, pushing them closer to a Stanley Cup.

The Oilers will have a complicated salary-cap situation with the status of Evander Kane still in the air, as well as multiple no-trade clauses preventing larger moves. Still, McDavid thinks the GM can get it done.

Connor McDavid calls on GM Stan Bowman to make a big addition in trade

Speaking to the media after practice Monday, Connor McDavid said he expects management to pick up another "horse" to help them through the playoffs.

"Management in years past have always done a good job of pitching in and giving us another horse in the stable to help us coming down the stretch and into the playoffs, so I'd expect management to do the same."
- Connor McDavid

It's interesting to see McDavjd use the term "horse," which can be slang for a high-impact player. McDavid isn't demanding a trade to the media, but maybe hinting that a big addition is needed.

This is the first full season with Jeff Jackson at the helm with his new general manager Stan Bowman. Former GM Ken Holland definitely made some weak moves, but a trade deadline pickup like Mattias Ekholm now is the dream for Oilers fans.

The Oilers are struggling at the moment, but they've got the talent and experience to get it back on track. However, they're not the same team as last season. They may need a little more help at the deadline with a big trade.

Possibilities for an Oilers addition remain completely open-ended. Goaltending seems to be their major position of weakness that needs addressing, but the Oilers have also been connected to forwards and defenseman — both at the top and bottom of the lineup.

Whatever the Oilers do, McDavid will bring his absolute best in the playoffs this season and do whatever he can to drag the team back to the Cup Final. Hopefully, this is the year they can finish the job.

This article first appeared on Oilers Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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