NHL Rumor: Connor McDavid trade buzz grows as Tampa Bay Lightning emerges as surprise option for Oilers star

An unexpected is making waves in the NHL world. A major rumor has surfaced, and it involves one of the biggest stars in hockey — Connor McDavid. After another painful Stanley Cup loss for the Edmonton Oilers, whispers are now pointing to a possible move. But it’s not just about leaving — it’s where he might go that has fans shocked.


Connor McDavid rumored to join Tampa Bay Lightning after another Cup loss

On June 20, 2025, during the latest episode of the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, a surprising topic came up — could Connor McDavid leave the Edmonton Oilers and join the Tampa Bay Lightning? The podcast team discussed this rumor in a segment that was later shared on social media platform X by Game Notes.

https://x.com/gamenotesbud/status/1936066149890114013?s=46&t=8ecFHACrCbRV63hISqBrAA

The talk started when host Mike Grinnell brought up whispers of McDavid heading south. Former player Matt Murley added, “There wasn’t much detail. It just said that it was a rumor.” But Murley also said it made sense. “He’s gotta be so sick of this media up in Canada… A team from Florida — what, they’ve won the Cup four of the last six years?”

Another host, Colby Armstrong, also said he believed Tampa Bay had all the pieces to attract someone like McDavid. “They have the weapons to do it,” he said, while mentioning how tough Tampa was for Florida to beat in the first round of the playoffs.

The idea of McDavid leaving a Canadian team to chase a championship in the U.S. is being compared to when NBA star LeBron James left Cleveland for the Miami Heat in 2010. Warm weather, less media pressure, and a winning team — that’s what Tampa offers.


Connor McDavid’s quiet finals and media pressure spark trade talks

Connor McDavid had a tough time in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. In Game 6, held on June 17 in Florida, he ended with no points and a -4 rating. Across the six-game series, the Oilers captain scored only one goal and had just seven points — a big drop for someone with his record.

Also Read: Connor McDavid Rumors Explode As Leon Draisaitl Speaks On Uncertain Edmonton Oilers Future

Canadian fans and media were expecting him to lead the team to victory. But the Florida Panthers shut him down and took the Cup again. After the loss, McDavid said during the postgame press conference, “We kept trying the same thing over and over again… just banging our heads against the wall.”

Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch defended him, saying on June 18, “I think there’s been a lot of good scoring chances for him… I’ve got no issues with his game.” Still, fans wondered if McDavid had reached his limit in Edmonton — and if it’s time for a new chapter.