NHL Analyst Interprets Connor McDavid's Message as Sign He Won't Leave Oilers

NHL Analyst Interprets Connor McDavid’s Message as Sign He Won’t Leave Oilers originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

With Connor McDavid now eligible to sign a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, all eyes remain on the face of the NHL and the impending decision on his future.

The superstar forward is entering the final year of his eight-year, $100 million deal, and as of mid-July, no extension discussions have been reported, outside of some initial talks outlining the future of the franchise.

While speculation about McDavid testing free agency continues to circulate, veteran NHL analyst Gene Principe appeared on the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast to share his view of the situation.

In Principe’s eyes, the Oilers captain may have already given fans a hint about his long-term intentions.

“You know, I’m really confident,” Principe said about McDavid potentially signing an extension with the Oilers. “You know, one of the great questions that he answered was his message to the fans. He spoke of how difficult it’s been, but how enjoyable it’s been. And he said, ‘You know, stick with us, because for all of us, it’s going to pay off.’”

Principe said that moment stuck with him more than any public declaration of loyalty McDavid might have made during his end-of-season media availability.

Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid has one year left on his eight-year, $100 million contract and is eligible to sign an extension.Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

“To me, that was kind of better than, you know, ‘I love you,’” Principe said. “To me, that was, ‘I’m saying to you and to everybody, stick with it. We got this. We’re going to get this, continue to be patient and continue to love us, and I promise you we’ll give you the love that you want with the Stanley Cup.’”

Still, Principe acknowledged there’s no guarantee McDavid commits long-term, but said he hasn’t seen any signs that the player is unhappy in Edmonton.

McDavid posted 100 points in 67 regular-season games last year and added 33 more in the playoffs, leading Edmonton to a second straight Stanley Cup Final, where it fell once again to the Florida Panthers.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.

NHL Analyst Interprets Connor McDavid’s Message as Sign He Won’t Leave Oilers

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