The Edmonton Oilers will begin training camp in short order. Edmonton is seeking a third trip to the Stanley Cup Final. They have lost the last two Finals to the Florida Panthers. Coming this close has given the team motivation to succeed. And winning is paramount if they want to keep Connor McDavid around.
McDavid is a player who needs to introduction. He has been the best player in the NHL for sometime. He has already built a Hall of Fame career even without a Stanley Cup to his name. A championship would only cement his case.
As mentioned, though, this championship has proven elusive. And the Oilers may not get another chance to win with him in 2025-26. McDavid is an unrestricted free agent next summer. If he makes to July 1 without a contract, he will be free to sign with any team.
McDavid and Edmonton are in talks about a new deal. At this time, though, a contract has not been signed. It appears as if a deal is not particularly close, either.
McDavid appeared on Wednesday’s edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman asked the Oilers captain what it would look like when he commits to the team. What did he need to see in order to put pen to paper? McDavid provided a rather interesting response.
“What do I need to see? I guess the answer is nothing. All the pieces are here for ’25-26. It’s going to be a feeling. When the time’s right, when the moment’s right, it’s going to be a feeling. But as for right now, just excited to get the season going,” McDavid told Friedman.
Connor McDavid Committed To Taking His Time
Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesConnor McDavid believes the Edmonton Oilers have the pieces to win the Stanley Cup.
Friedman mentioned in this interview that he was a bit surprised that a deal had not been done to this point. Back in late August, he told the media that he wanted to take his time on this contract. It’s his process, and he wants to run it how he sees fit.
“We have time. We have all the work. It’s our decision basically. We’ve earned that, and we’re going to take our time with it,” the Oilers captain said on 32 Thoughts.
McDavid is not rushing this deal through the door. He wants to take his time and do what’s in his best interest. Fans will certainly grow more nervous as the days without a contract go on. However, McDavid is showing no signs of moving off his desire to take this slow.
Oilers’ McDavid Looking To Prove A Point
McDavid has done a lot in his career. He has multiple Hart Trophies, multiple Art Ross Trophies, and even a Conn Smythe Trophy despite losing the Final the year he won it. Despite all of this, he still believes there’s something left to prove.
“I said it in an interview earlier that I’ve got lots to prove, and I still feel that way. Last year was good, but it wasn’t the level I expect to be at and expect of myself. I want to have a great year. I’d love the team to put themselves in put themselves in a position to play at home every series. I’d love to win a Gold Medal at the Olympics. And you guys understand the rest,” McDavid said.
The Oilers captain has a bit of a chip on his shoulder heading into the new season. It will certainly be interesting to see how that translates to the ice. Edmonton begins the 2025-26 regular season campaign on October 8th against the Calgary Flames.
Connor McDavid Reveals What Oilers Commitment Looks Like