The debate over what defines an all-time great in hockey often centers around winning a Stanley Cup, a viewpoint that remains strong given the legacy of legends like Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux, and Gordie Howe—all Stanley Cup champions. Current stars such as Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, who have each secured the coveted trophy, often reinforce this belief. Amid this discussion stands Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers superstar, whose place among the NHL‘s elite is questioned mainly due to his team’s recent Stanley Cup final losses.

McDavid’s accolades speak volumes—multiple Hart and Art Ross Trophies and even a Conn Smythe Award showcase his individual excellence. Still, the lingering question remains: if McDavid and his teammates like Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins never win the Stanley Cup, does McDavid’s standing among the top 10 NHL players of all time change?

Insights Drawn from Other Sports’ Greatest Players

After the Oilers’ second consecutive Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers, McDavid’s legacy came under the microscope, prompting comparisons with other sports. Reflecting on retired greats in baseball, football, and basketball offers valuable perspective for hockey fans pondering McDavid’s future place in history.

Notably, Ted Williams, one of baseball’s finest hitters, never won a championship but remains widely recognized as a legend in the sport. Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA’s top 10 players according to ESPN’s 75th Anniversary NBA Team all hold championship rings, revealing a contrasting standard. In the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL, only Dan Marino and Barry Sanders among the top 10 greatest did not earn a Super Bowl title.

These examples highlight the complexities behind defining “greatness” in sports and raise the possibility that McDavid could be similarly revered as one of hockey’s best, even without lifting the Stanley Cup.

McDavid’s Current Position and Future Prospects

Following the Oilers’ defeat in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, Connor McDavid voiced his frustration at a year-end news conference, expressing weariness with the team’s repeated strategies. He commented on

“trying the same thing over and over again, just banging our heads against the wall.”

—Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers captain.

This statement raised questions about the franchise’s direction as McDavid enters the final year of his eight-year, $100 million contract. Despite this uncertainty, many hope McDavid remains with Edmonton to pursue the Stanley Cup rather than pursue opportunities elsewhere.

The history of other sports offers hope: Jackie Robinson’s Brooklyn Dodgers lost four World Series to the New York Yankees before finally winning the championship in 1955, an achievement that etched Robinson’s legacy in baseball history and delivered one of <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB’s most memorable celebrations. Similarly, McDavid, along with Leon Draisaitl and the Oilers, might overcome their current obstacles and capture the Stanley Cup in the near future.

Recognizing McDavid Among the Hockey Greats Regardless of the Cup

Regardless of whether Connor McDavid leads Edmonton to their sixth Stanley Cup championship, his status as one of hockey’s all-time greats remains secure. Fans and analysts alike recognize his unparalleled talent, which has already earned him a spot alongside legends like Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky.

The Oilers’ general manager, Stan Bowman, now faces the critical task of bolstering the roster around McDavid to clear the final barriers preventing the team from clinching the title. With a career already defined by skill and dominance, McDavid stands as the defining player of his generation and will continue to influence the sport’s history for years to come.