Chris Johnston gives intriguing update on Connor McDavid's Oilers future
Photo credit: Sports Illustrated
The Edmonton Oilers have a big decision to make on Leon Draisaitl soon, and not long after, Connor McDavid too, with a top insider giving a big update.
The next two years could define the Edmonton Oilers for decades to come, with both Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid set to hit unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2025 and 2026. While Draisaitl is free to negotiate an extension now, it will be another 12 months for McDavid, and in a recent podcast appearance, TSN's Chris Johnston has revealed the latest on the captains status.
"I don't think he's (Connor McDavid) thinking about leaving," Johnston said. "He doesn't have to think about it yet because two dominoes have to fall first. He can't make a decision till next July 1st anyway. He couldn't sign a contract today if he wanted. He could say to the Oilers, 'I would sign a lifetime contract,' but they're not legally allowed to do it. So, this Draisaitl situation will play out in full or in part before that happens."
"This is where I think it's interesting for the Oilers. Internally, I don't know if everybody's in full alignment on what to do, but if Leon comes back and says, 'I don't know if I want to sign a contract this summer,' part of the debate, I believe, is, 'We can't walk him to free agency because then next summer, when Connor is making his decision, it's potentially when Leon's walking out the door,'" he continued.
"This is where I think it's interesting for the Oilers. Internally, I don't know if everybody's in full alignment on what to do, but if Leon comes back and says, 'I don't know if I want to sign a contract this summer,' part of the debate, I believe, is, 'We can't walk him to free agency because then next summer, when Connor is making his decision, it's potentially when Leon's walking out the door,'" he continued.
After a Conn Smythe winning performance, McDavid is set for a big pay day, but as Johnston notes, how the team handle Draisaitl over the next 12 months will certainly come into play. Whether or not Leon becomes the highest paid player in the NHL, it's expected that McDavid will usurp that status in either 2025 or 2026, whenever an extension or new contract comes down, and at this point, it appears he may want to stay in Edmonton long-term.
| POLL | ||
9 JUILLET | 113 ANSWERS Chris Johnston gives intriguing update on Connor McDavid's Oilers future Will Connor McDavid re-sign with the Edmonton Oilers long-term? | ||
| Yes | 91 | 80.5 % |
| No | 22 | 19.5 % |
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