NHL insider reveals McDavid's exact concern that's holding up new contract
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Connor McDavid will reportedly not sign a new contract extension with the Oilers before the regular season due to concerns about the team's aging roster.
The Edmonton Oilers have added a number of young talents in the offseason, but their core group is still made up of older players - and that's could affect their window to contend for a Stanley Cup.
NHL insider reveals McDavid will not sign before regular season
According to a new report from NHL insider Chris Johnston, McDavid is not expected to sign a new deal before training camp. More than that, the Captain has concerns about the roster being able to contend for a Cup past the upcoming season.
»The lack of an extension does not speak to any disconnect on terms or structure.
His biggest point of reticence, per league sources, remains an aging roster, which he believes can contend again in 2025-26 but which doesn't look to be constructed to sustain a championship level over the long term.
- Chris Johnston
His biggest point of reticence, per league sources, remains an aging roster, which he believes can contend again in 2025-26 but which doesn't look to be constructed to sustain a championship level over the long term.
- Chris Johnston
The Oilers' superstar core involving McDavid, Draisaitl, and Bouchard all have players in their primes - but much of the supporting players are getting up in age. Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Mattias Ekholm are key players for their success, and are now getting to their mid 30s.
Oilers and McDavid have yet to begin real contract negotiations
The team and insiders still have ultimate confidence McDavid will stay in Edmonton, which gives him the best chance to win a Cup for now. But it may be a very short-term deal, and it implies he could leave if the Oilers can't continually contend.
In addition, the two parties haven't even begun to exchange numbers on the contract yet.
Hopefully both parties can find a way to settle on an extension to reduce this from being a distraction through the year - otherwise, this will be a major story for the entire NHL.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 16 | 642 ANSWERS NHL insider reveals McDavid's exact concern that's holding up new contract Do you think McDavid will sign before next offseason? | ||
| Yes | 417 | 65 % |
| No | 225 | 35 % |
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