Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers are still dealing with the heartbreak of their recent Stanley Cup Final defeat. For the second straight NHL season, the team from Alberta heads into the summer with pain in their hearts. However, this time around, the disappointment cuts deeper—the runner-up finish might influence McDavid’s willingness to extend his stay. On that note, his dynamic duo partner, Leon Draisaitl, set the record straight.
The Oilers went through a grueling NHL season with one goal in their minds: amending last year’s gut-wrenching loss. However, they only ran into the same pit of utter disbelief and agony. The Florida Panthers had McDavid, Draisaitl, and company all figured out. There was nothing left to do but accept their fate.
It stings, nevertheless. No matter how many times Edmonton can fall, nothing prepares its players for the sequels. Now, the fear in the Oil City of Alberta is that such memories might hinder McDavid’s willingness to extend his stay. Much buzz has grown loud around the situation. If McDavid doesn’t sign an extension during the summer, he would be on a contract year during the 2025-26 NHL season.
Simply put, that’s a risk Edmonton has no interest in taking. Draisaitl wants nothing more than for his star teammate to stay by his side, but he made a sincere admission when asked about it during his end-of-season media availability.
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up before playing the Florida Panthers in Game Four of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 12, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
“I haven’t talked with Connor, yet. There is nothing that I can tell you right now that you need to hear, that’s his situation and he will do what’s best for him and his family,” Leon Draisaitl told reporters at his press conference. “Do I want him here forever? Yes, I think everybody does.”
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NHL News: Oilers’ Stanley Cup Final loss vs Panthers reportedly seals fate for Connor McDavid’s key teammate
McDavid breaks silence
When McDavid took to the podium at Rogers Place for his end-of-season availability, there wasn’t a bigger topic than the rumors surrounding a potential departure from Edmonton. The Stanley Cup Final defeat seemed like an ancient memory, as the interest shifted towards the future. On that note, the former 1st overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft made his thoughts clear.
“Going to take some time to regroup, talk to my agent a little bit, family, and make some decisions when the time comes. There’s no rush,” McDavid commented on the contract speculation. “Winning is the most important thing. If I feel there’s a good window here to win, then signing is no problem. I’m sure we’ll get into it over the next couple of weeks.”
With a grain of salt
Based on his statement, McDavid isn’t paying much attention to the rumors going around the league. However, his comments on the team’s performance, hinting at Kris Knoblauch’s responsibility, might gain traction if the star center believes the Oilers aren’t taking the right step towards hoisting Lord Stanley.
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Edmonton has been waiting a long time to hoist its first Stanley Cup since 1990, and McDavid has yet to win his own. Now, comparisons to Wayne Gretzky and other NHL greats are starting to feel more like burdens than praise.
