The Edmonton Oilers are looking to close in on a contract extension with Connor McDavid. However, while the forward stated his intention to remain in Edmonton, he’s still taking some time and considering all possibilities before signing on the dotted line.
Reports have already mentioned that the upcoming deal won’t be a long-term one. With McDavid’s signature still pending and training camp right around the corner, Florida Panthers star Sam Reinhart can’t keep a straight face with the situation.
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The Florida Panthers are knocking on history’s door, looking to join an elite club of franchises with three Stanley Cups hoisted in a row. As things stand, the Oilers will be looking to spoil their party, though there is the little matter of getting McDavid’s contract sorted out first and foremost.
Seeing the current situation in the Oilers camp, where the management is yet to get McDavid re-signed, Reinhart can’t help but laugh.
In a recent tweet, Reinhart is seen struggling to keep a straight face as he sits next to McDavid and Penguins icon Sidney Crosby at the Olympic orientation camp. Reinhart’s reaction is obvious, given the current situation the Oilers are in.
Despite McDavid being their best player, the franchise has yet to secure a contract extension for him as training camp looms. Not to mention, despite McDavid’s sensational form in the past season, he yet again failed to inspire Edmonton to the Stanley Cup.
A big reason behind that turn of events has been the lack of offense by the Oilers in the Finals. While the Panthers have all of their top six scoring clutch points, the Oilers have been hugely dependent on the duo of McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
For McDavid, whose only goal is to win the Stanley Cup, this has been cited as a matter of contention. Insider Chris Johnston earlier mentioned that his short-term goals are obvious. But that is not the scenario with his life beyond next summer.
At the Olympic orientation camp, McDavid mentioned, “I have every intention to win in Edmonton. It’s my only focus, maybe next to winning the (Olympic) gold medal with Canada. But it is my intention to win there.”
However, while McDavid has affirmed that he plans on staying in Edmonton, this hasn’t resulted in any immediate contract re-signing. At the camp, he mentioned, “I said at the end of June I had every intention to take my time with it, and I still feel the same way.”
He continued, “We’re going through it. I don’t have a preference either way. I want the group to be as focused and dialed in and ready to roll from Day 1 as much as possible, and we don’t need any distractions.”
With just three weeks remaining until training camp starts on September 17, the Oilers will want to re-sign McDavid as soon as possible.