One of the most talked-about storylines in the NHL in recent weeks undoubtedly involves Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. The team’s biggest star has yet to define his future with the franchise, leading many to speculate about a potential blockbuster move reminiscent of the one Wayne Gretzky made years ago.
What’s this story all about? One of the league’s best players is entering the final year of his contract with the team, sparking growing speculation about what decision he’ll ultimately make regarding what’s ahead.
NHL analyst Dan Powers, during a recent appearance on the Empty Netters podcast, suggested that the Oilers should eventually look to trade McDavid before he hits free agency. The destination proposed by the journalist? The Los Angeles Kings, same as Gretzky years ago.
“I have said so many times — and this is not because we live in LA. — if we saw the King’s Ransom Part 2 and he got traded to LA, it would be the greatest thing to happen to the NHL in 50 years. It would be the greatest story of all time,” Powers said.
From Edmonton to Los Angeles
The trade of Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings on August 9, 1988, is widely considered the most shocking and impactful transaction in NHL history.
Dubbed The Trade, it saw the undisputed greatest player in the world, who had just led the Oilers to their fourth Stanley Cup in five years, shipped to a non-traditional hockey market. In return for Gretzky, along with teammates Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski, the Oilers received a package that included players Jimmy Carson and Martin Gelinas, three first-round draft picks, and a substantial cash payment of $15 million.
The deal was largely driven by Oilers owner Peter Pocklington’s financial troubles, and it sent shockwaves throughout Canada, where Gretzky was considered a national hero. The move immediately elevated the profile of hockey in Southern California and was a catalyst for the NHL’s expansion into the United States’ sunbelt, forever changing the league’s landscape.
What’s the situation with McDavid and the Oilers?
Connor McDavid’s current contract with the Edmonton Oilers is an eight-year, $100 million deal that carries a salary cap hit of $12.5 million per season. This contract, which he signed back in 2017, is set to expire at the conclusion of the upcoming 2025-2026 season.
As a result, McDavid will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026 unless he and the Oilers agree on an extension. While the Oilers’ management has publicly stated that re-signing their captain is their number one priority, and speculation is swirling about the potential value and structure of his next deal, no new contract has been signed yet, making his future a significant topic of conversation around the league.
SURVEY What should Connor McDavid do about his future?
What should Connor McDavid do about his future?
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