Connor McDavid (Image Via Twitter) The concept of the Oilers gearing up for another Stanley Cup run should have been in the picture, but the limelight has moved toward their captain, Connor McDavid, and his contract. Entering the final year of his deal, McDavid has recently made some interesting news by putting the possibility of every option out there, be it short-term extensions or even that no extension will be made. For a franchise molding itself around him, this has raised speculation and distraction rivalling the timing in itself.
Connor McDavid’s speech sparks contract speculation in Edmonton Oilers
Not long ago, Connor McDavid was talking confidently about wanting to win in Edmonton. Then, just weeks later, he shocked many by stating that “all options are on the table,” which included the possibility of “no term.” He probably won’t just walk out of this with no deal, but the very mention of it has set the fan base and media into an obvious state of worry and concern.Truly, this is a scenario hardly envisioned by the Oilers going into such an important season. They had reached the Stanley Cup Final two years in a row, yet fell short against the Florida Panthers. Oddsmakers still see Edmonton as a contender, but this issue with perhaps their best player still out there in some way is overshadowing the team’s preparations.
Why Edmonton needs to secure Connor McDavid’s future short-term
The Oilers need to stop wasting time in the negotiations in the interests of stability. McDavid’s contract should be one of the easiest in hockey: You pay him the money, give him the term, and the leadership role he obviously deserves. On the contrary, all this delay can only mean that some bigger questions are weighing on the minds of the involved parties — possibly McDavid’s trust in management, or even his patience with the timeline set for the team’s development.
Connor McDavid Goals But They Get Increasingly More Impossible
For him, winning matters as much as dollars. He wants to see growth from emerging players such as Evan Bouchard, Vasili Podkolzin, Isaac Howard, and Mathew Savoie. Without presenting any kind of visible progress from the young core, making a long-term commitment could easily feel like a risk.Also Read: Brad Marchand’s future sparks debate despite Florida Panthers contractThe times of old when Edmonton Oilers were considered one of the great teams of the NHL have passed. In the present, there is notable pressure exerted by the situation on the Connor McDavid contract. While it is a priority to secure its future, at present, it is an imperative if Edmonton harbours hopes of bringing the Stanley Cup home for the first time in ages.