Insiders Break Down McDavid's Cautious Approach to Extension Talks
Photo credit: Hockey Patrol
NHL Insiders Elliotte Friedman and Chris Johnston both broke down why Connor McDavid is playing things safe when it comes to his potential extension in Edmonton.
News broke that Connor McDavid's extension talks in Edmonton are being put on the back burner for now as the Oilers captain looks to solely focus on the 2025-26 season and doesn't want any potential distractions getting in the way of a Stanley Cup.
It's not too shocking to see McDavid keeping his cards close to his chest, and the fact that there hasn't been any negotiations really has to make Oilers fans quite anxious.
How Insiders Interpreted McDavid's Comments
However, both Elliotte Friedman and Chris Johnston believe that while McDavid isn't rushing to get out of Edmonton, he is looking to potentially keep his options open ahead of next season.
Friedman was more inclined to side with McDavid and his want to win in Edmonton:
As long as he's unsigned, it's a massive story; at face value, I take McDavid at his word. He wants to win in Edmonton.
Johnston on the other hand was a bit more cautious as to what may happen and is going to take his sweet time deciding:
I've got not no reason to believe he's trying to figure a way out of Edmonton, but he's obviously not in a position where he's comfortable signing an extension; he's gonna take more time.
What Connor McDavid Said About His Future
The reason that the story is such a big one is not only because McDavid is the NHL's best player, and of course free agency talks are going to be at the forefront, but it's similar to something Leafs fans know all too well.
McDavid spoke about his desire to stick with the Oilers and see a championship in his time with the team on Wednesday at Team Canada's Olympic Orientation Camp; though it felt a tad hollow:
I said at the end of June I had every intention to take my time with it and I still feel the same way. Take my time and go through everything. I have every intention to win in Edmonton.
Hmm, that sounds eerily similar to what Mitch Marner told Toronto before he decided to leave town, stating he wanted to win with the Maple Leafs and didn't wanna focus on contract talks.
Well, a disappointing playoff exit led to his departure, and if Edmonton comes up short once again in the Finals (or doesn't even make it) then who knows how long McDavid can take losing before enough is enough.
We should be inclined to believe that McDavid wants to stay, and there's not much that could sway him besides an absurd amount of money; he's built a life in Alberta.
But he doesn't seem 100% committed and that's scary for the Oilers, and some incredible news for the rest of the league come July 1.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 28 | 1056 ANSWERS Insiders Break Down McDavid's Cautious Approach to Extension Talks Is Connor McDavid staying or leaving in Edmonton? | ||
| Staying | 669 | 63.4 % |
| Leaving | 387 | 36.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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