Excitement Hits the NHL community as Edmonton Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch made a bold and unexpected declaration that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are now the..
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves reverberating throughout the National Hockey League, Edmonton Oilers Head Coach Kris Knoblauch has made a bold and unprecedented announcement: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are now officially recognized as co-captains of the Edmonton Oilers. The decision, delivered during a press conference on Saturday morning, represents a historic shift not only within the Oilers organization but also in the broader context of NHL leadership dynamics.
For nearly a decade, Connor McDavid has been the undisputed leader of the Oilers, having been named captain in 2016 at the tender age of 19—making him the youngest captain in NHL history at the time. Under his captaincy, McDavid has continually delivered elite performances, established himself as arguably the best player in the world, and helped to lead Edmonton back to relevance in the postseason picture. Leon Draisaitl, meanwhile, has consistently stood as the team’s powerful one-two punch alongside McDavid, carving out his own legacy as a Hart Trophy winner and playoff powerhouse.
But according to Knoblauch, it’s time the organization recognized that leadership on this team is not singular.
“We’ve always known that Connor is our captain—he’s the heartbeat of this team,” Knoblauch began. “But what Leon has brought to the table, both on and off the ice, has elevated him into an equal leadership role. This isn’t about diminishing Connor’s role. It’s about acknowledging the shared responsibility and the mutual respect between two of the most important players in franchise history. They lead differently, but they both lead. And the team follows both.”
The declaration marks the first formal co-captaincy in the Oilers’ long and storied history, and while the NHL has no rule against naming co-captains, it is extremely rare. The last high-profile team to experiment with such a structure was the Vancouver Canucks, briefly, during the late 1990s with Markus Naslund and Trevor Linden sharing leadership duties informally. However, Edmonton’s move formalizes the title, placing McDavid and Draisaitl side by side in every respect.
McDavid appeared alongside Draisaitl and Knoblauch during the announcement, and his reaction was both gracious and heartfelt.
“This team isn’t just about one guy,” McDavid said. “It never has been. Leon’s been my teammate, my linemate, and my friend for years now, and there’s no one I’d rather share this with. I still take the ‘C’ very seriously—but sharing that responsibility, formally, is just a reflection of what’s already been true in our locker room for a long time.”
Draisaitl, typically known for his cool and composed demeanor, showed a rare moment of emotion during his remarks.
“I’ve always just focused on doing my job—scoring goals, making plays, and helping the team win. But being recognized like this… it’s humbling. I don’t need a letter to lead, but I appreciate the trust from the coaching staff and the organization. And sharing this with Connor makes it even more meaningful.”
The move comes as the Oilers are surging through the playoffs, having just eliminated a tough opponent in the second round and preparing for a heated Western Conference Final. The timing, some analysts suggest, is strategic: solidifying internal cohesion and rewarding veteran leadership as they push for their first Stanley Cup since 1990.
Fans reacted with a mixture of surprise and excitement. Social media was abuzz within minutes of the announcement, with Oilers supporters celebrating the recognition of Draisaitl’s contributions. “It’s about time,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “Leon has been carrying this team in crunch time for years.”
Inside the organization, sources say the decision was months in the making, with discussions involving General Manager Ken Holland, the coaching staff, and the players themselves. Team veterans, including Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Darnell Nurse, were reportedly supportive of the move, seeing it as a natural evolution in the leadership culture of the team.
Still, some NHL traditionalists have raised questions about whether a co-captaincy undermines the clarity of leadership. But Knoblauch pushed back firmly on that idea.
“If anything, this provides clarity,” he said. “We’re not just recognizing skill. We’re recognizing character, accountability, and the kind of unselfish leadership that wins championships.”
The move could have ripple effects throughout the NHL. Other teams with dual stars—such as the Colorado Avalanche with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, or the Toronto Maple Leafs with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner—may now consider similar approaches in redefining leadership structures for the modern locker room.
As for the Oilers, this new chapter in the McDavid-Draisaitl era may serve as both a symbolic and strategic rallying point as they chase hockey’s ultimate prize.
“This is our moment,” Draisaitl said with a nod toward his longtime teammate. “And we’re going after it—together.”