The dynamic duo continue to shine despite team struggles

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are an absolute force when they’re together and they’ve produced more goals together than any other NHL tandem since the start of last season. According to Sportsnet’s handy stats team, McDrai has combined for 71 goals since the start of last season which places them at the top of the pile. 

For the Edmonton Oilers, the future continues to look bright despite the black hole that is the 2017-18 season. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way, the Oilers have two major pillars to build their franchise around and it will be up to Peter Chiarelli to find value contracts to surround them with. If the plan is to continue to play Draisaitl and McDavid together, then the GM will need to do whatever it takes to ensure that their depth at centre remains intact.

In the 14 games since Ryan Nugent-Hopkins cracked his ribs, the Oilers have stumbled to a lacklustre 5-8-1 record and have scored only 40 goals over that time. The biggest problem with that number is that McDrai have been responsible for 48% of those goals, and the Oilers need more balanced offence than what they’re getting. At the time of his injury, RNH lead the team with 16 goals and, to me, that is a clear indication of just how important he is to this hockey team. Will Chiarelli see it the same way? We shall see.