Connor McDavid could issue Oilers stark warning upon signing next contract
Photo credit: Sam Navarro - Imagn Images
NHL insiders are confident that McDavid will sign to stay on with the Oilers, but it could also start the clock on his departure from Edmonton.
Most recent reports about McDavid's contract talks indicate that the Oilers captain will stay on a short-term deal, and could even take a slight salary discount. However, McDavid is also expected to be clear about how long he's committed to Edmonton.
Oilers analyst says McDavid extension will start new countdown on his tenure with the team
In a new piece for the Athletic, Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell brought up some significant concerns about McDavid's future.
The Oilers have got close but not close enough. They now have an aging core, with McDavid even nearing 30 years old. He won't be able to carry the team forever.
McDavid's frustration after the Final likely had much to do with the Panthers' impressive efforts against the Oilers' outlet attempts. Some of the vexation may also come from the decade of curious roster decisions that consistently left Edmonton poorer.
If a short-term contract is a result of that frustration, it may clarify things and possibly put an end to walkabout trade ideas and front-office gaffes that cost real talent. This isn't Stan Bowman's fault, but it is his problem.
The length of McDavid's deal starts the clock on what could be his final seasons in Edmonton.
- Allan Mitchell, the Athletic
If a short-term contract is a result of that frustration, it may clarify things and possibly put an end to walkabout trade ideas and front-office gaffes that cost real talent. This isn't Stan Bowman's fault, but it is his problem.
The length of McDavid's deal starts the clock on what could be his final seasons in Edmonton.
- Allan Mitchell, the Athletic
Mitchell repeatedly brought up McDavid's frustration at the end of the Cup Final. It may well have been about in-series tactics and adjusting to the Florida Panthers, but it also may have been a brief showing of the frustration of not winning yet in his 10 year career.
We were never really able to generate any momentum up the ice. We kept f****** trying the same thing, over and over again, banging our heads against the wall.
- Connor McDavid
- Connor McDavid
Still, there's little doubt that McDavid will be re-signing in Edmonton, and that reflects the belief the Captain has in winning with this group.
The team is undoubtedly close, and have added exciting young talents with Savoie and Howard to extend their contention window. But McDavid is still sending a message by not committing to just signing an 8 year deal.
If McDavid signs a short-term contract and the Oilers are looking worse without a Stanley Cup win by the time he's on the other side of 30, he may be looking at other teams.
To stop this from happening, the Oilers will need to win a Stanley Cup and prove to McDavid they can continue to contend.
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