Connor McDavid’s Legacy: Will This Be the Year?

As the 2025 Stanley Cup Final unfolds, all eyes are on Connor McDavid. Widely seen as the best hockey player on the planet, McDavid has racked up individual awards, highlight-reel plays, and jaw-dropping stats. But despite all his personal success, there’s still one thing missing from his resume: a Stanley Cup.

For McDavid, this isn’t just another playoff run — it’s a defining moment.

The Oilers captain has been sensational again this postseason, leading the NHL in points and driving Edmonton’s offense night after night. His skating, vision, and puck control make him almost unstoppable when he’s on his game. But no matter how dominant he’s been, the question keeps coming up: can he bring the Cup back to Edmonton?

It’s been 32 years since a Canadian team lifted the Stanley Cup. That drought has weighed heavily on Canadian fans, especially those in Edmonton, where legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier set the standard in the 1980s. McDavid has often been compared to those greats, and now he has the chance to put his name alongside them.

Winning the Stanley Cup would shift McDavid’s place in the conversation from “best player right now” to “one of the all-time greats.” Fair or not, hockey legends are often judged by their championships, not just their scoring titles or MVP trophies. Sidney Crosby, for example, was already a superstar before winning the Cup — but his three championships cemented his legacy.

That’s what makes this Final so important for McDavid. It’s not just about adding another award to his shelf. It’s about proving he can lead a team to the top, through all the ups and downs of a playoff grind, and deliver when it matters most.

The Florida Panthers, of course, are no easy opponent. With their deep, balanced lineup and experienced core, they’re determined to defend their title. But if McDavid can push the Oilers past them, it will silence a lot of critics and give him the moment he’s been chasing since he entered the league.

No matter how the series ends, McDavid’s skill and impact on the game are undeniable. But if he lifts the Cup this year, his legacy will change forever.