The Edmonton Oilers are again in the Stanley Cup Final, where they meet the Florida Panthers. When a veteran like Mattias Ekholm, who’s played with some impressive leaders during his NHL career, says someone is the greatest leader he’s ever been around, you listen. And right now, Ekholm is making it clear that Connor McDavid isn’t just the best player in the world. He’s also the heart of the Edmonton Oilers in a way that goes far beyond points or highlight-reel goals.
Here’s what makes McDavid’s leadership so remarkable, according to one of the teammates who sees it up close every day.
Reason One: McDavid Leads by Example — Every Single Night
“He just leads with example every night,” Ekholm said. “Best player on the ice 99% of the time.”
That kind of consistent excellence isn’t just rare — it’s demanding. Teammates don’t have to guess what standard to follow. McDavid shows them. Whether it’s the way he skates, backchecks, competes, or just refuses to let a game slip away, he makes excellence normal. That sets the tone for the entire team.
Reason Two: McDavid Understands the Room — Not Just the Game
According to Ekholm, McDavid’s leadership isn’t about barking orders or giving speeches. It’s about understanding people. “He understands the room and he understands that there’s a human part to this,” said Ekholm. “It’s not just go through a wall all the time.”
That kind of emotional intelligence — reading the energy in the dressing room, knowing when to push and when to pull back — often goes unnoticed by fans. But inside a long playoff run or during the grind of the season, it’s invaluable.
Reason Three: McDavid Obsessively Prepares — Because the Details Matter
Ekholm described McDavid as “close to a perfectionist” and someone who “doesn’t leave anything out there for chance.” He pays attention to the smallest things — even something as granular as switching skates several times in the morning to find the perfect pair.
It’s not nitpicking. It’s about giving himself, and his team, every possible edge. As Ekholm noted, the Oilers were just one goal away from tying Game 7 last year. In that kind of moment, a small detail can decide everything. McDavid knows that. And he makes sure the team prepares like it.
Reason Four: McDavid Elevates Everyone Around Him
True leadership isn’t just about what you do — it’s about what you help others do. McDavid’s presence, preparation, and professionalism raise the bar for everyone around him. Ekholm’s respect isn’t just for McDavid’s talent, but for the culture he creates.
That’s why Ekholm says what he says — and he’s not someone prone to exaggeration. He’s just a big, blue-collar, straight-shooting defenseman. He speaks like he plays.
Ekholm’s Final Word on McDavid: His Greatness Is More Than Goals
Connor McDavid will go down as one of the greatest talents the NHL has ever seen. But as the Oilers charge toward a Stanley Cup Final, what’s becoming clearer is that his legacy won’t just be about speed, hands, or highlight reels.
It will be about how he leads — quietly, thoughtfully, and with relentless attention to detail. He’s not just a superstar. He’s a captain in the truest sense of the word. The Oilers are benefiting from his leadership.
