The contract extensions for star players has been a main topic on fans and media of the Edmonton Oilers for the past year. As we await news on the contract for their captain, it does not seem like this will be going away anytime soon.
It is rare for a player to really have all the leverage in contract negotiations, but that is the case for Connor McDavid as he is entering the final year of his contract. What makes the situation even more unique is that convincing McDavid to re-sign isn't going to come down to term or the AAV.
McDavid has made it pretty clear that his focus is winning a Stanley Cup, and the Oilers have come painfully close now in consecutive seasons. Unfortunately, they have come up short in both instances against the Florida Panthers.
It is a decision that not only the Oilers are hoping to get clarity on before the season, but almost every team across the league. If the Oilers feel they can't convince McDavid on their vision to bring a Stanley Cup to Edmonton, they might be forced to explore trade options.
Will Connor McDavid have a better chance at a Stanley Cup anywhere else?
While McDavid has gotten close but not secured that Stanley Cup, the question he needs to answer is whether or not he feels there is a better situation than in Edmonton. There is no question that the Oilers roster is far from perfect, and the biggest issue is the goalie position.
However, this is a talented roster with some of the best at their position, like Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard. They should be viewed as one of the favorites to come out of the Western Conference once again.
Reports on what the next contract could look like are seemingly all over the place, with the latest being that he might take less than expected. The reason is that it can help the Oilers add talent elsewhere, but once again, it is a sign that McDavid is in full control of these negotiations, and his true motivation is to win a Stanley Cup.
It is seemingly a waiting game for the Oilers and the rest of the NHL on what Connor McDavid wants to do. The question is, when will McDavid know what he wants to do, and is he going to wait to see how this season plays out and if the Oilers can finally win that Stanley Cup? Only time will tell.