McDavid's Determination to Win

As the final season of his current contract approaches, Connor McDavid has made it clear that his focus remains solely on winning with the Edmonton Oilers. During a media session at Hockey Canada's National Teams Orientation Camp, McDavid expressed his strong commitment to the team and his goal of capturing a championship title.

"I said at the end of June I had every intention just to take my time with it, and I still feel the same way," McDavid stated when asked about contract negotiations. His intent to focus on winning in Edmonton comes alongside a desire to potentially win a gold medal with Canada, showcasing his dual ambitions.

Contract Status and Future Talks

Currently, McDavid is heading toward unrestricted free agency in 2026 following an eight-year, $100 million deal with the Oilers. Oilers' general manager Stan Bowman has acknowledged the importance of respecting McDavid's timeline and has stated that while detailed discussions have not yet begun, they are anticipated soon.

Bowman shared, "I do expect to have some conversations with him soon, and hopefully get that wrapped up." Despite reports indicating no concrete discussions about contract details such as 'dollars and term' have taken place, the potential for more specific talks is on the horizon.

Looking Ahead to the Season

McDavid missed 15 games last season but still managed to achieve his fifth consecutive 100-point campaign, further solidifying his status as one of the NHL's top playmakers. With the Oilers having already secured Leon Draisaitl with a significant contract last offseason, they continue to boast one of the best center duos in the league, setting their sights on another strong playoff run.

However, the Oilers face challenges, particularly with goaltending inconsistencies that hampered their efforts in last season's playoffs. The team's current goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard remains, but there are ongoing discussions about enhancing roster depth, particularly in net, to support their championship aspirations.

With the start of Oilers training camp scheduled for September 17, all eyes will be on McDavid and the team's preparations for a season where the ultimate goal is to finally hoist the Stanley Cup.