In the swirling sea of speculation about Connor McDavid’s future with the Edmonton Oilers, the anxieties of fans have been significantly calmed as of this Tuesday. With Leon Draisaitl agreeing to an eye-watering extension with the Oilers starting in the 2025-26 season, the path seems clearer for McDavid to commit his future to Edmonton as well.
Draisaitl’s new contract, which sets a record with its $14 million average annual value for a lengthy eight years, is not just a sign of his commitment but also a strong indicator of McDavid’s intentions. Given their close relationship and pivotal roles on the team, Draisaitl’s long-term deal almost certainly has a magnetic pull on McDavid’s decision-making process. It’s hard to imagine Draisaitl signing such a deal without some assurance that his star teammate might follow suit.
Moreover, reliable sources within the industry echo this sentiment. NHL insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff shared on Oilers Now with host Bob Stauffer, an assertion that reinforces belief in McDavid’s stay: "It’s now a 100 percent shot that Connor McDavid re-signs with the Edmonton Oilers." While Seravalli admits his claim is based more on logic than insider revelations, the circumstances surrounding the team make it a reasonable prediction.
Moving from Edmonton to Toronto, a dream some Maple Leafs fans harbor, seems increasingly implausible. Toronto, despite its vibrant city life and active market, does not necessarily offer what McDavid seems to prioritize the most: a concrete shot at hoisting the Stanley Cup. Not only have the Oilers shown more post-season success in recent years compared to the Leafs, but the emotional weight of coming so close to triumph last season likely only fuels the ambition of key players like McDavid and Draisaitl.
Toronto boasts a rich hockey tradition and a deep-seated passion within its fanbase. Their 13 Stanley Cup trophies are impressive, but with the last one in the 1966-67 season, the team’s recent history doesn’t compare favorably to the Oilers’. Since joining the NHL in 1979-80, Edmonton has won five Stanley Cups and made eight trips to the finals, developing a resilient and triumphant modern era pedigree in the process.
Ultimately, the idea of McDavid leaving Edmonton for Toronto is more a whimsy of hopeful fans than a likely outcome. With Draisaitl’s deal setting a precedent and the competitive fire clearly burning in the Oilers camp, Edmonton seems poised to keep their captain and chase the elusive Stanley Cup once more. As such, Oilers fans have good reason to feel optimistic, not just about retaining McDavid but also about their team’s prospects moving forward.
