Consecutive losses in the Stanley Cup Final have made it clear the Edmonton Oilers need to boost the lineup around Connor McDavid. That is, of course, if hoisting Lord Stanley is what the team is after in the NHL. On that note, the organization has decided that three prospects will no longer be in consideration.
While a massive achievement for any player, being drafted by an NHL team is hardly the first step towards making the league. Every Draft there are dozens of players who are selected, but never make their league debuts.
With that in mind, it’s hardly surprising the Oilers made their stance on three potential McDavid teammates clear. Their verdict wasn’t delivered through words or actions, but through the absence of either.
Still, Edmonton has some areas to address within its lineup. Whatever challenge presents itself in front of McDavid and the Oilers, they won’t count with three former draft selections by the organization.
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Calgary Flames during the second period in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on May 24, 2022 in Edmonton, Canada.
Didn’t strike oil
As reported by Oilers Nation, Edmonton has lost the signing rights to prospects Luca Munzenberger, Joel Maatta, and Tomas Mazura. The trio spent their final year of NCAA eligibility during the 2024-25 season.
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NHL News: Oilers’ dream Connor McDavid extension still in play thanks to reported legal loophole in league’s ruling
Per league rules, August 15 marked the deadline for NHL teams to sign college-drafted prospects, and the Oilers let it pass. As a result, three names have now been crossed off the list of potential McDavid teammates—unless one is brought back as a free agent, which appears unlikely.
Would you look at that?
In terms of relevance there is no other topic that even comes close to McDavid’s extension saga. On that note, recent reports from insider John Shannon during an appearance on Oilers NOW with Bob Stauffer suggest there isn’t much for fans to worry about. At least in the short-term future, perhaps there’ll be time to be nervous later on.
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up before action against the Winnipeg Jets during the 2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic hockey game on October 23, 2016 at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
“I think it’s going to be a three or four-year deal,” Shannon admitted. “Connor’s entitled to 20 percent [of the salary cap]. But I also think Connor’s smart enough to know if he gets too much, that’s less to acquire free agents and other players for this hockey club. And that’s what superstars that want to win Stanley Cups do — they sacrifice.
“I think McDavid’s contract is going to come in lower than a lot of people [are expecting], short-term and it will give Stan Bowman to go out and spend some money on other players at the appropriate time.”
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Which of the three prospects should the Oilers have given a chance?
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While the two sides have shown willingness to make ends meet, a contract has yet to be signed. For all Oilers fans know, that’s the only thing they care for. As long as the captain remains unsigned through the 2025-26 season, the tension in Canada’s Oil Capital won’t fade away.
