"I don't believe that's the case anymore": Seasoned NHL columnist floats bombshell speculation about Connor McDavid's future in Edmonton

Superstar pairings in hockey have long been regarded as critical to a team's success. That is certainly the case with the Edmonton Oilers, who have Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid on their roster. The former has already signed an eight-year contract deal worth $112 million.

McDavid's current eight-year $100 million contract with the Oilers expires after the 2025-26 season. The captain will be eligible to sign an extension on July 1st. Apart from the annual average value that the Oilers offer, there will be plenty of other factors that determine McDavid's stay in Alberta.

As per NHL analyst Greg Wyshynski, Draisaitl's contract extension isn't one of them. Wyshynski said on The Sheet podcast, that McDavid will be pursued by teams like the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers who would be ready to pounce on any opportunity if the extension isn't pen and paper.

"I think the next couple of playoff seasons for the Oilers whilst Connor McDavid remains under contract, are very, very important," the seasoned columnist said. "And I don't necessarily believe that's the case anymore that Leon signing is an is a harbinger for Connor sign. I don't think it is as guaranteed, cut and dry, you know, paint the mural that Connor's gonna stay in Edmonton. I just don't anymore.

"You look at a team like Boston, you look at a team like New York, you look at kind of how those lineups are built. You look at kind of how those contracts they have on the books are looking in a couple of seasons, you say to yourself, there might be some pretty interesting franchises that'll be ready to make a run at the best player in the world if he doesn't have pen to paper in Edmonton. I will caveat this by saying that I still believe he's gonna stay."

Connor McDavid's 'many factors' in coming back to Edmonton

The Oilers captain was questioned last September at the North American Player Media Tour on what it would take to keep him at Edmonton. The 28-year-old said:

“Obviously, my loyalty to Edmonton, the fans, the organization, the loyalty to the players, all while understanding my will to win, my desire to win. All while balancing my family, my need to see them and spend time with them and make sure the people I care about are good. I think there are so many factors that go into a decision like that.”

With three MVP awards in nine years, Conner McDavid is likely to fetch the highest annual average value given to a player in the NHL. When he signed in 2018, his AAV was the highest at $12.5 million, but it has subsequently dropped to fourth.