Ilya Kovalchuk makes bold prediction on Connor McDavid's future, compared to Gretzky in a bad way

Now, NHL legend Ilya Kovalchuk has added to that speculation, by suggesting that, like Wayne Gretzky before him, Connor McDavid may sign with another team.

Edmonton does indeed know what it's like to lose a generational player, one whose name is associated with success and greatness, and winning, and also know what it's like to lose such a player; one insider used the word heartbreak to describe it.

Connor McDavid is indeed a winner. He's taken home 5 Art Ross trophies, 1 Conn Smythe, 3 Hart, 1 Rocket and 4 Ted Lindsey's, a trophy case to be proud of. Yet, McDavid has yet to win the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup, and there is where speculation for signing elsewhere begins.

Many reports suggest that Connor will wants to sign with a team that gives him the best chance of winning right away, one where the superstar center may very well be the missing piece.

Kovalchuck, however, seems to believe the Oilers would be fine without McDavid.

Connor McDavid's cap hit is currently $12.5M; he's in the final year of an 8-year contract. Given his stats, Connor will likely command upwards of $14M per year, for 4 to 5 years, given his 29 years of age. With the cap increasing by $25.5M in the next three years, teams will be able to afford him.

Yet, no team is as close to winning the Cup as the Oilers, having been to the finals the last two playoffs. If Kovalchuk is correct in believing the Oilers just need a few 'tweeks' to be contenders, then Edmonton is where McDavid will sign. He can then be compared to the Great One in more meaningful ways, than simply on the basis of a trade, as when Wayne Gretzky was traded from from Edmonton.

Yet, Connor McDavid still has one year remaining on his contract, one year in which to negotiate and come to terms with the Oilers. One thing is certain, should the Oilers win the Cup year, McDavid will 100% be an Oiler for life.