The Edmonton Oilers’ chances for getting revenge over last year’s Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers didn’t materialize as the Panthers won again, securing it in a 5-1 Game 6 final. Florida’s offense and defense were solid and off the charts.
While victory parades were happening in Sunrise, Forida, things were much more grim in Alberta. With their second straight Stanley Cup Final loss, sources suggest that the Oilers would be going through a complete rebuild in the offseason in hopes of keeping their chances alive.
The NHL free agency period is still a few days away. There is some newfound uncertainty regarding the future of the Oilers’ captain, center Connor McDavid. Edmonton’s general manager has broken his silence regarding McDavid.
Stan Bowman Breaks His Silence on the Connor McDavid Situation
McDavid still has one year remaining in his current deal with the Oilers. He signed with them in 2018 for an eight-year, $100 million deal with a cap hit of $12.5 million. But the Oilers don’t seem to be too keen on letting him go, and he remains their No. 1 priority.
Bowman has also mentioned that they’re mindful of the timing for the three-time Hart Trophy Winner. “Certainly we’re eager to meet with him whenever he wants, but also understanding that he just went through a very tough ending to the season,” the Oilers’ GM said.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, June 20, Bowman clarified some other things. “Timing-wise, Connor’s gonna drive that process, but there’s no question, he’s a pivotal player on our team, and not just what he does on the ice, but his leadership,” Bowman said.
“I’ve had a chance to work with him now this year, and I’ve been just so impressed with how things you guys probably don’t see, but what kind of a teammate he is, and he’s incredibly important to our group, and you know, whenever he’s ready, we’re going to dive into that,” Bowman said.
There is no doubt as to how important McDavid is for the Oilers’ goal-scoring machine right now. Bowman understands that. With 100 points in the regular season (26 goals, 74 assists) and another 33 in the Stanley Cup playoffs (seven goals, 26 assists), he is largely responsible for the Oilers’ Stanley Cup Final run this year.
But Bowman also understands that McDavid doesn’t care about the contracts or the individual records and is focused purely on winning the Stanley Cup. “He just wants to win the Cup,” Bowman said. “That’s all he cares about. He’s not driven by statistics or points or records or money, and I think that’s what you love about him.”
Bowman assured Edmonton fans that he also wants to win the Cup as soon as possible and will try his best to keep McDavid as part of the Oilers. “He’s not just a fantastic hockey player, but he’s a great person, a great leader, and he’s incredibly motivated to do whatever it takes,” the Oilers’ general manager said.