Connor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers.
Photo credit: BVM Sports

Connor McDavid’s future in Edmonton, just like Leon Draisaitl’s is up in the air, and now a top insider has commented on the situation.

After a fantastic regular season once again, Edmonton’s Connor McDavid excelled in the playoffs, and while his team didn’t get the win, he won the Conn Smythe Trophy, further raising his price when he hits free agency.

While he doesn’t become a free agent until the summer of 2026, much has been speculated about the future of Connor McDavid in Edmonton, after the team were just one win away from the team’s first Stanley Cup in 34 years. Some have speculated he may look elsewhere in free agency, but now, TSN’s Chris Johnston has revealed his thoughts on the situation, commenting that McDavid likely isn’t thinking about leaving Edmonton.

Top: Three cutouts of Connor McDavid during game action in an Edmonton Oilers uniform. To the left is the Edmonton Oilers 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs logo. Below that in white and orange text on a blue background, "Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers #97. Playoffs MVP" 

Bottom left: In blue text on a white background, "Conn Smythe Trophy". Below that is the Conn Smythe Trophy.
“I don’t think he’s (Connor McDavid) thinking about leaving,” Johnston said. “He doesn’t have to think about it yet because two dominoes have to fall first. He can’t make a decision till next July 1st anyway. He couldn’t sign a contract today if he wanted. He could say to the Oilers, ‘I would sign a lifetime contract,’ but they’re not legally allowed to do it. So, this Draisaitl situation will play out in full or in part before that happens.”

“This is where I think it’s interesting for the Oilers. Internally, I don’t know if everybody’s in full alignment on what to do, but if Leon comes back and says, ‘I don’t know if I want to sign a contract this summer,’ part of the debate, I believe, is, ‘We can’t walk him to free agency because then next summer, when Connor is making his decision, it’s potentially when Leon’s walking out the door,'” he continued.
There’s still plenty of time before the Oilers have to make a decision on McDavid, but as of right now, unsurprisingly, all signs are pointing to the games best player remaining with Edmonton as they search for a Stanley Cup.