Connor McDavid made it clear where he wants to play, and Leafs fans will notice
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Connor McDavid set the record straight with where his future lies and Maple Leafs fans are going to notice something that might not make them very happy.
There was a lot of talk this past summer about Connor McDavid's future, as he was without a deal and there was a potential that he could skip town and leave Edmonton for somewhere else.
While that didn't happen, he didn't sign a long-term extension either which opened the door for a potential destination change in a couple of years, and teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to be heavily interested (as should everyone).
But McDavid himself has always made it known that he loves Edmonton and his latest piece in The Player's Tribune all but settles that -- and may irk some hopeful Maple Leafs fans.
Connor McDavid sets the record straight in candid interview
McDavid spoke candidly about what he wants in the future and was honest and blunt in his desires to win in Edmonton and all the hubbub about wanting a break or a fresh start in just chatter, nothing more:
I don’t need a break, or a fresh start. I just want to be in Edmonton, playing hockey. I want to get back there again, whatever it takes. If that sounds like a robot, then I guess I’m a robot.
Obviously, McDavid has built up legendary status already in Edmonton even if he hasn't brought them a Stanley Cup yet. The world's greatest player has cemented himself as one of, if not the face of the franchise all-time and it's not like he's been failing to make waves.
Not only is his personal accomplishment list absurd, but he made it to two straight Cup Finals and has serious potential to make it a third straight in 2026. That level of production and leadership is so rare, and Edmonton will do everything in their power to keep him.
Maple Leafs out of luck, but there's still a glimmer of hope
For the Maple Leafs, who were hopeful that maybe McDavid would entertain coming home to play, it means that it's very unlikely that we will see him sign a mega-deal to play alongside Auston Matthews or potentially replace him.
There's always been a connection between McDavid and Toronto and the rumours aren't going to stop regardless of what he says, but you cant' really get any more firm than McDavid's comments.
It's a bit disheartening for the Maple Leafs however there is still a chance that things happen between now and the end of his deal that may change his mind.
Maybe the Oilers hit a free-fall in the standings, and perhaps Toronto gives themselves some new life with a quick retool.
For now though, McDavid is going to do all he can to bring success and a championship to the Oilers once again and Toronto can only hope he does; then try to do it for the team he grew up admiring.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 3|1090 ANSWERS Connor McDavid made it clear where he wants to play, and Leafs fans will notice Do you think Connor McDavid will sign anywhere else but Edmonton when he becomes a free agent? | ||
| Yes | 602 | 55.2 % |
| No | 488 | 44.8 % |
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