Winning isn’t everything at least not in the way most hockey fans think about it. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis reflects on what truly defines success for players and teams in today’s NHL. From Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s chase for the Stanley Cup to the Edmonton Oilers’ roster development, we examine how progress can exist even without a championship.

We also highlight growth stories for players like Evan Bouchard, Vasily Podkolzin, and Brett Kulak, and compare how organizations like the New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, and Montreal Canadiens measure success in different stages of their rebuilds. This episode challenges the “championship or failure” narrative and asks a bigger question: What do we really value in hockey?

0:00 Intro: The state of sports media today

5:47 Stephen A. Smith and the contentification of journalism

17:39 Hockey as a weak link sport

23:46 Finding meaning in the attempt, not just winning

28:50 Outro: Internship and affiliation agreements

Redefining Success: What Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers Teach Us About Winning and Life

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