McDavid gives concerning interview on future with Edmonton Oilers
A new Connor McDavid sit-down interview with the 32 Thoughts podcast has Edmonton Oilers fans feeling quite nervous.
The 28-year-old has been the story of the hockey world this summer, as he continues to remain without a contract extension in place beyond the 2025-26 season. As of this time, he’s set to become an unrestricted free agnet next summer.
Despite the constant noise surrounding McDavid, however, the Oilers captain seems as calm and relaxed as can be. It’s clear that he’s attempting to take things day by day, taking his time over what he’s continued to call “a big decision for me and my family.”
“I feel good. I feel focused on the year,” McDavid told Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas. “My body feels good. Excited to get going, excited to get camp going and getting into the routine of things. As far as all that other stuff goes, I’m not focused on it. Playing is the easy part, so we’re getting to the easy part here.”
While that answer in itself isn’t overly concerning, McDavid was very careful not to make any sort of slip-ups when it comes to remaining in Edmonton long-term. Instead, he made it clear to speak only about the upcoming 2025-26 season.
“My wife and I love being in Edmonton, and we have every intention to win here in Edmonton,” McDavid said. “I have all the faith in the world in this ’25-26 season.
“Beyond that still remains to be seen. We have time. It’s our decision, we’ve earned that, and we’re going to take our time with it.”
With the Oilers having advanced to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals and likely to be a contender once again in 2025-26, many are questioning why McDavid wouldn’t want to remain in Edmonton. Friedman did his best to get to the bottom of that.
What does he need to say before signing?
“Truthfully, what do I need to see? I guess the answer is nothing,” McDavid said. “All the pieces are here for ’25-26. It’s going to be a feeling. When the time is right, the moment is right, I think it’ll just be a feeling. As of right now, excited to get the season going.”
That final comment about having the right pieces in play for this coming season could be an indicator as to why McDavid hasn’t re-signed. He clearly believes the Oilers will compete for a Stanley Cup once again this season, but with an aging core, he may be questioning their competitive window over the next several years.
This is turning into quite a fascinating ordeal, or perhaps terrifying if you’re an Oilers fan, as seemingly nobody seems to know what lies ahead for McDavid. The one thing that’s for sure is that this storyline isn’t going to quiet down until pen is put to paper.
- You might also like:
- Ex-Edmonton Oilers player Tyson Barrie considering career in hockey media