Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers battles for the puck against Christopher Tanev #8 of the Calgary Flames on October 16, 2021 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images) The Edmonton Oilers are eyeing another big season with captain Connor McDavid at the heart of their Stanley Cup aspirations. The natural NHL interest stems from Toronto’s long-standing status as a potential alternate destination that has been discussed around the superstar, and McDavid has been training with Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev this off-season.Also among the group is McDavid’s Oilers teammate Leon Draisaitl and Chris Tanev’s brother, Brandon Tanev, who plays for the Utah Mammoth. The training link is not evidence that a move is imminent, but it does provide useful context heading into the 2026-27 NHL season.
Could Connor McDavid and Chris Tanev influence NHL discussions?
An interesting link between the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs has emerged from the offseason training of Connor McDavid and Chris Tanev, but there is no indication the sessions are related to trade talks.As the reference material reported, Tanev has been working with long-time trainer Gary Roberts in the offseason before joining a skating group that includes McDavid, Draisaitl and Brandon Tanev.McDavid remains the face of the franchise as the Edmonton Oilers continue their pursuit of the Stanley Cup. The captain is beginning a two-year extension that is in its first year, making the next two seasons pivotal for Edmonton’s title hopes.A different story is Tanev, a veteran defenseman with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His presence in the same offseason training group as McDavid creates some interest, considering Toronto has been mentioned in player polls and NHL discussions as a possible landing spot for McDavid if his future takes him outside of Edmonton.
When will Edmonton Oilers face Toronto Maple Leafs?
The Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs will play each other twice during the 2026-27 NHL regular season. Edmonton hosts Toronto at Rogers Place on October 24, with the Oilers visiting Scotiabank Arena on November 14.McDavid and Tanev had an on-ice incident in a 2021 preseason game when Tanev was with the Calgary Flames. McDavid was tripped on his way to the net and then crashed into the goal.McDavid spoke publicly about his concern for the play, and Tanev has said he was making a play for the puck and had no intention of injuring him. Now the incident is juxtaposed with their current offseason training bond.No, working out together does not mean McDavid is considering a move to the Toronto Maple Leafs, or that the two franchises are talking trade.The more immediate takeaway is that a few NHLers are using the offseason to train together before training camps. McDavid is still getting ready for another Edmonton Oilers championship run, and Tanev is getting ready for the upcoming Toronto Maple Leafs season.