Connor McDavid's future with the Oilers at a crossroad
The Edmonton OIlers have some tough decisions to make regarding the future of some of their key players, and Connor McDavid is front and center of those discussions.
Not only do the OIlers have to make a decision when it comes to McDavid, but they also have Leon Draisaitl's expiring contract that will require their attention at the end of next season. McDavid is set to become a UFA at the end of the 2025-26 season if the OIlers do not sign him to an extension.
«If McDavid doesn't play for the Oilers after this contract, he'll be the most hated man by that fan base for the rest of eternity.»
Will McDavid ever leave Edmonton?
TSN's Chris Johnston provided some really good insight into the situation surrounding the Oilers and McDavid.
"I don't think he's (Connor McDavid) thinking about leaving," Johnston said. "He doesn't have to think about it yet because two dominoes have to fall first. He can't make a decision till next July 1st anyway. He couldn't sign a contract today if he wanted. He could say to the Oilers, 'I would sign a lifetime contract,' but they're not legally allowed to do it. So, this Draisaitl situation will play out in full or in part before that happens."
"This is where I think it's interesting for the Oilers. Internally, I don't know if everybody's in full alignment on what to do, but if Leon comes back and says, 'I don't know if I want to sign a contract this summer,' part of the debate, I believe, is, 'We can't walk him to free agency because then next summer, when Connor is making his decision, it's potentially when Leon's walking out the door,'" he continued.

The Oilers have a lot of work to do over the next 2 seasons. An immediate priority is going to have to be the Leon Draisaitl situation. Once they decide what direction they want to go there, they will then need to absolutely focus on McDavid's contract situation.
Fans want to ensure they continue seeing McDavid walk out onto the ice from the Oilers' tunnel, and not from the opposing team's dressing room.
Source Hockey Feed:
Critical update on Connor McDavid's future with Oilers
POLL |
JUILLET 9 | 598 ANSWERS Connor McDavid's future with the Oilers at a crossroad Will Connor McDavid be an Edmonton Oiler forever? |
Yes | 284 | 47.5 % |
No | 314 | 52.5 % |
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