The Edmonton Oilers have high hopes for this season. They are reeling from another Stanley Cup Final defeat at the claws of the Florida Panthers. Something has got to give for this franchise.
Hanging in the balance is the future of Connor McDavid. Many local journalists are convinced that he is staying in Edmonton (where else would he get to play with Leon Draisaitl?), but not everyone is convinced. If the Oilers don’t upgrade their goaltending tandem at some point this year, they risk another shocking playoff disappointment. But they also risk losing McDavid, too.
To that end, many speculate that he has the Toronto Maple Leafs on his mind as a potential destination.
Connor McDavid’s Comments on His Future With the Oilers
McDavid has played every one of his 712 career games with the Oilers. But there is a chance that he won’t finish his career with the team.
When he spoke to reporters on September 5, McDavid revealed some of his thought process behind the looming extension.
“When you’re trying to plan the next three, four, six, seven, nine years of your life, you don’t just dream it up in one day,” McDavid said on Friday. “You take your time, talk it over. Think about it some more, talk it over again. It’s not something that I take lightly; it’s not something that my family takes lightly.”
“You only get one chance to do it, and to do it right.”
As far as the term is concerned, McDavid dropped a two-word bomb that sent the hockey social media world ablaze.
“All options are on the table,” McDavid continued. “Short-term, long-term, no-term.”
He then emphasized the singular focus of his career—the guiding star for the decisions that McDavid makes.
“My only desire is to win.”
The Easiest Way to Convince McDavid to Stay
If winning is the highest priority of McDavid’s, doesn’t logic dictate that the Oilers are the best choice? Especially when considering they are coming off back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances?
If only it were that easy.
On Friday’s episode of 32 Thoughts, host Elliotte Friedman revealed one change in McDavid’s attitude since the Oilers’ most recent Cup Final loss. He said that McDavid is “even more fanatical” about winning. This comment certainly backs up McDavid’s “only desire” comment quoted above.
So what do the Oilers need to do to make sure that they can come away the victors this time? Do they need to sign Klim Kostin to a PTO? In the eyes of one NHL analyst, they need a goalie.
Greg Wyshynski spoke with Jeff Marek on The Sheet podcast about the Oilers’ goaltending issue. Wyshynski brought up the only goaltender that the team can bring in that won’t cost them an asset.
“The uncomfortable conversation to have about Edmonton is Carter Hart,” Wyshynski told Marek. “Let’s be honest, he’s the best goaltender that they could bring in at no cost to their roster. He’s going to be better than most goaltenders who are going to be available via trade.”
“You wonder if ultimately, Carter Hart is going to be the solution there.”
Hart, 27, brings a lot to the table for an NHL franchise. He is still young and boasts a career 2.94 goals against average (GAA) to go along with a .906 save percentage.
If, and when, the NHL reinstates Hart, along with the four others who were acquitted of criminal charges in this summer’s sexual assault case, don’t be surprised to see Hart’s name pop up again for the Oilers.
Hart might not be the savior for the Oilers. However, if he is the missing piece the team needs, and McDavid extends long-term as a result, he might as well be.
Oilers Are Risking More Than the Stanley Cup