Insider Suggests Connor McDavid's Contract Could Spark Major Trouble in Edmonton

Despite strong rumors about what would be a quick signing process for Connor McDavid to extend with the Edmonton Oilers, new reporting from insider Chris Johnston gives some hesitation on a contract extension happening as rapidly as some had projected.

McDavid, who is entering the final year of an eight-year deal with Edmonton, has been expected to re-sign with the Oilers sooner rather than later, predicting that a deal doesn't happen to start the season.

Johnston doesn't give an idea as to when McDavid would sign with Edmonton, but his view on the situation, if correct, appears to indicate a move may take a bit of patience to see if it comes to fruition.

Johnston reports that McDavid could take a bit longer than expected if he were to re-sign with Edmonton, but beyond that, what McDavid will do may remain a question mark.

The indications from media reports regarding McDavid seem to point towards him staying, and McDavid himself has signaled a desire to remain an Oiler, but until a contract is signed, the certainty of that will be raised.

The Oilers don't have a lack of money to throw around, and with a rising cap will be more than willing to do what it takes to keep their superstar forward, not wanting to just let the best player in the NHL walk, or even consider leaving at all.

As it remains for Edmonton, they'll hope to give McDavid what will likely be a record-breaking contract, but one that doesn't cripple their ability to attract free agents to build around him, which will be a necessity.

Edmonton still has some relief in Draisaitl, who himself has been a top-five forward in the league, but would need to replace McDavid with a top player who could compliment him.

The Oilers have struggled to put a team beyond McDavid & Draisaitl, and it has hurt them. Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have shown they can produce and be effective players, but beyond that will need more from the rest of their lineup.

Rookies Isaac Howard and Matthew Savoie help their forward depth, and newly signed Andrew Mangiapane is a strong veteran addition, but the Oilers have found it difficult to find the right pieces outside the top-six, and just as challenging being able to pay for upgrades.

If Connor McDavid were to leave the Edmonton Oilers, it would bring nearly every NHL team ready to do just about whatever it takes to bring him in whether it'd be from trade or free agency.

McDavid, who still has much more to give at 28 years old, has easily been the best player of this decade, and just about any deal for him being one that rivals the haul given to Edmonton 37 years prior when the Los Angeles Kings pulled off the blockbuster Wayne Gretzky trade.

Any trade for McDavid would have to include a strong mix of current NHL players, top prospects, picks, and capable players who would ease the loss of McDavid quickly.

In free agency, teams would surely be willing to go up to $15M for McDavid, if not higher, for the chance to have a consistent 100-point center still in his prime. Many teams closer to the cap ceiling may be willing to give up a lot to make such a trade happen.

The market would be in a standstill for top free agents as everyone waits to see who gets to McDavid in what will almost certainly be an intense amount of bidding for the teams afforded the chance at him.

Connor McDavid appears poised to re-sign in Edmonton, but the slim chance that he might not, or that he may not do so right away, will alert teams to hope for a game changing talent to potentially be able to be pried away in what would be the biggest blockbuster move since Gretzky.