Best Edmonton Oilers Line Combinations With Connor McDavid

Alright, Oilers fans, let’s talk about the NHL’s ultimate chess piece: Connor McDavid. When you have the best player on the planet, figuring out how to build lines around him isn’t just a coaching decision—it’s an art form. It’s the puzzle that every Edmonton Oilers head coach, from past to present, has had to solve to maximize this generational talent and push the team toward the ultimate goal: a Stanley Cup.

This isn't just about throwing skill together and hoping it works. It’s about chemistry, balance, and situational strategy. Whether you’re a fan debating lineups at Rogers Place or just love diving into the tactical side of hockey, this guide will break down the how and why behind constructing the most effective Edmonton Oilers line combinations with number 97 at the center of it all.

By the end of this, you’ll understand the key principles the coaching staff uses and be able to look at line combinations like a pro. Let’s get into it.

What You Need to Know Before We Start

Before we start shuffling wingers and centers around, there are a few non-negotiables and key pieces you need to keep in mind. Think of this as your toolkit for building the perfect line.

The Core Philosophy: The goal is never just to get Connor McDavid points (though that tends to happen). It’s to create matchup nightmares for the opposition that lead to sustainable team success, especially in the grueling Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Key Players: Obviously, you have McDavid. But you also have Leon Draisaitl, a superstar in his own right. The dynamic between these two—playing them together or apart—is the single biggest decision. Beyond them, you need to consider the supporting cast: the two-way forwards, the net-front specialists, and the puck-retrieval experts.
The Coach’s Mindset: Kris Knoblauch, like coaches before him, has to balance offensive firepower with defensive responsibility. He also has to manage minutes over an 82-game season to keep his stars fresh for the postseason.
The Context: Is it a regular-season game in October, or Game 7 in the Western Conference Final? Is the team protecting a lead or chasing a game? The "best" line combination is often situational.

Got all that? Good. Now, let’s build some lines.

Step 1: The Foundation – To Pair or Not to Pair with Draisaitl?

This is the first and most critical decision. Do you load up your top two weapons on one line, or do you spread the wealth to create two dominant lines?

The "Nuclear Option": McDavid and Draisaitl Together
How-To: Place Draisaitl on McDavid’s left wing. This creates arguably the most potent duo in the National Hockey League. You’re putting two Hart Trophy winners and Art Ross Trophy champions on the same unit.
When to Use It:
When You Need a Goal: Down a goal late in the third? This is your go-to move.
On the Power Play: They are the heart of the Oilers' elite first PP unit. Their chemistry with the man advantage is almost telepathic.
To Change Momentum: If the team is flat, a shift from this duo can electrify the building and swing momentum instantly.
The Risk: It makes your lineup top-heavy. If the other team’s checking line manages to contain them (a big "if"), your secondary scoring can dry up.

The "Balanced Attack": McDavid and Draisaitl Apart
How-To: Keep McDavid at 1C and Draisaitl at 2C. This forces the opposing coach to choose his poison. Which star does he use his shutdown line against?
When to Use It:
For Playoff Depth: In the postseason, where matchups are king, having two elite centers gives you a massive strategic advantage.
Long-Term Sustainability: It develops chemistry with other wingers and builds a more resilient, multi-layered attack over an 82-game grind.
When You Have the Lead: It allows you to roll two lines that can possess the puck and play in the offensive zone.

Pro Tip: There’s no permanent right answer. The best coaches, like Knoblauch, fluidly move between these setups based on game flow, opponent, and health. For a deeper dive into how this choice impacts the team’s overall output, check out our analysis on the Oilers record without McDavid.

Step 2: Finding the Right Wingers for McDavid

Assuming McDavid is centering his own line, who do you put beside him? You’re not looking for another Connor McDavid. You’re looking for complementary pieces that amplify his game.

The Ideal Profile:

1. Puck Retrieval & Board Battles: McDavid creates chaos and loose pucks. His wingers need to be first on them, win battles, and get the puck back to him.


2. Finishing Ability: He will generate scoring chances at an elite rate. His wingers must be able to finish those passes.


3. High Hockey IQ & Anticipation: Playing with McDavid means thinking the game at his speed. Wingers need to anticipate where he’s going and get to open space.


4. Responsible Defensively: While McDavid’s offensive exploits are legendary, giving him wingers who can cover defensively allows him to take calculated risks.

Historical & Current Fits:
The Finisher: A player like Zach Hyman is the prototype. He goes to the net, wins puck battles in the corners and the crease, and has the hands to convert McDavid’s passes. He’s the perfect complementary piece.
The Two-Way Stabilizer: A player like Connor Brown. While his offensive output has been scrutinized, his role when placed with McDavid is often about defensive responsibility, puck pursuit, and creating space through a strong forecheck. It’s a "security blanket" line combination.
The Skill Complement: In the past, players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have slid to the wing. This adds another layer of playmaking and Power Play chemistry, creating a pure skill line that can dominate possession.

Step 3: Building the Power Play Unit Around Him

The Oilers' Power Play is a weapon, and McDavid is the trigger. Building this unit is less about traditional line combinations and more about assigning roles on a five-man unit.

The Standard Setup (1-3-1):
Quarterback (Left Point): Evan Bouchard. His job is to get the puck to McDavid or Draisaitl and unleash a heavy shot.
Left Flank: Leon Draisaitl. The primary one-timer threat and a sublime passer.
"Bumper" (Middle): Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Facilitates puck movement, takes quick shots, and causes chaos in the slot.
Right Flank: Connor McDavid. From this side-wall, he has multiple options: drive the net, pass across to Draisaitl, feed the point, or shoot himself. His vision from this spot is unparalleled.
Net Front: Zach Hyman. Screens the goalie, cleans up rebounds, and wins puck battles below the goal line.

The Key Principle: It’s all about creating a "high-low" dilemma for the penalty killers. Do they pressure McDavid on the wall and risk leaving Draisaitl open for a one-timer, or do they stay in the shooting lane and give McDavid time to pick a pass or skate? For more on how McDavid’s playmaking fuels this, see our Connor McDavid stats analysis.

Step 4: Managing Minutes and Situations

You can’t play McDavid 60 minutes a night (though we’ve all wished for it). Smart deployment is key.

Even-Strength Shifts: Aim for 18-22 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time, spread across 25-30 shifts. Keep shifts short and intense (45-50 seconds max) to keep his explosive speed at its peak.
Offensive Zone Starts: Leverage his scoring by giving him a high percentage of shifts that start in the offensive zone, especially after icings by the opponent.
Defensive Zone Caution: While he’s improved defensively, you don’t want your best offensive weapon pinned in his own zone for long stretches. Use him for defensive zone face-offs selectively, often with a reliable two-way winger like Brown.
Late-Game Scenarios:
Down a Goal: Double-shift him. Put him with Draisaitl. Do whatever it takes.
Protecting a Lead: Be more selective. Use him after TV timeouts or on offensive-zone face-offs to keep pressure on the opponent, rather than risking a tired shift in your own zone.

Step 5: The Playoff Adjustment

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are a different beast. Matchups are tighter, space is minimal, and coaching adjustments happen between periods.

Expect Heavy Usage: McDavid’s ice time will regularly jump to 25+ minutes. Endurance becomes as important as speed.
The Matchup Game: The opposing coach will deploy his best defensive line and pairing against McDavid every chance he gets. Kris Knoblauch must counter this by:
Using Last Change: At Rogers Place, he can get McDavid out against more favorable matchups.
Creating Quick Changes: Getting the McDavid line on the ice against the opponent’s second or third line for even a few shifts can be the difference in a series.
Line Blending: Don’t be surprised to see constant in-game adjustments. If the top line is getting stifled, a quick shuffle of wingers or pairing Draisaitl with McDavid can break the pattern.
Physical and Mental Resilience: Playoff hockey is a war of attrition. The supporting cast must be willing to engage physically to create space for 97, and McDavid himself has shown he can elevate his game through physical play when needed. His drive is what makes comparisons to legends so compelling, as explored in McDavid vs Gretzky points comparison.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tip: Don’t Force Chemistry. Sometimes, two skilled players just don’t click. If a combination isn’t working after a fair trial (10-15 games), don’t be afraid to break it up, even if it looks good on paper.
Pro Tip: Use the Regular Season to Experiment. That’s what the 82-game schedule is for. Try McDavid with different wingers to see who rises. You want to have several proven combinations ready for the postseason.
Common Mistake: Overloading and Gassing Your Stars. Playing McDavid and Draisaitl together for 25 minutes in a January game against a non-conference opponent is often unnecessary. Manage their workload for the long haul.
Common Mistake: Ignoring the Goalie Factor. All this offensive strategy works best when you have confidence in your goaltender. A big save from Stuart Skinner can allow the coach to deploy McDavid offensively instead of defensively.
Common Mistake: Being Too Rigid. The best lines are sometimes born from in-game adversity. An injury or a poor performance should lead to adaptation, not stubbornness.

Your Quick-Check Game Plan Checklist

Here’s a bullet-proof summary of everything we’ve covered. Use this as your quick-reference guide for building the best Edmonton Oilers lines with Connor McDavid.

• Make the Draisaitl Decision: Decide strategically—load up the "Nuclear Option" for offense or spread out for a "Balanced Attack" based on game state and opponent.


• Choose Complementary Wingers: Select wingers based on puck retrieval, finishing, hockey IQ, and defensive responsibility, not just point totals. Think Hyman for net-front presence, Brown for two-way stability.


• Construct the Power Play: Deploy the 1-3-1 setup with McDavid on the right flank, Draisaitl on the left, a quarterback at the point, a bumper in the slot, and a net-front presence.


• Manage Ice Time Wisely: Keep even-strength shifts short and intense. Favor offensive zone starts. Adjust deployment dramatically for late-game, score-specific situations.


• Plan for the Playoffs: Prepare for 25+ minutes of ice time per game. Use last change at home for favorable matchups. Be prepared to blend lines and make rapid in-game adjustments to counter the opponent’s shutdown tactics.


• Stay Flexible: Use the regular season to experiment. Don’t be afraid to break up combinations that aren’t working. Let the flow of the game dictate your moves.

Building the perfect line around Connor McDavid is the great challenge and privilege of coaching the Edmonton Oilers. By following these principles, the team can ensure its captain has the support he needs to lead them to the ultimate success. Now, let’s see what Kris Knoblauch draws up next!