Connor McDavid has another believer in his corner as Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock takes over a team still chasing the Stanley Cup.
Former Oilers head coach Dave Tippett made his stance clear during an appearance on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast this week.
Tippett coached Edmonton from 2019 until 2022, giving him a close look at McDavid's preparation, personality and relentless expectations.
“He'll win. I predict it,” Tippett said, backing his former captain to eventually get his hands on the Stanley Cup.
Tippett also praised the speed at which McDavid processes the game and the work he puts into taking care of himself away from the rink.
That prediction carries extra weight after Edmonton reached the Stanley Cup Final in consecutive seasons without finishing the job. The pressure surrounding McDavid's pursuit hasn't disappeared.
McDavid's pursuit remains tied to Edmonton
McDavid has been just as direct about what winning would mean to him. He has made Edmonton, not simply winning somewhere in the NHL, central to that goal.
“I want to be remembered as a winner. But not just anywhere. Here,” McDavid said while discussing his legacy and commitment to the city.
Tippett also pushed back on the idea that McDavid's serious public personality tells the entire story.
He explained that McDavid is much looser around teammates behind closed doors, while staying intensely aware of the attention surrounding everything he does.
Tippett even recalled occasions when McDavid appeared almost uncomfortable after huge individual performances, as though he preferred shifting attention away from himself rather than celebrating the production.
That changed when the playoffs arrived. Tippett described a player completely focused on reaching his highest level when the games carried the most weight.
McDavid now enters another chapter with Babcock behind Edmonton's bench. Tippett's message is simple: after watching McDavid up close, he believes the Cup eventually follows.
Will Connor McDavid win the Stanley Cup with Edmonton?
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