The Edmonton Oilers have several questions to answer about their franchise center, Connor McDavid.
The best player in the world once again led the Oilers through the Western Conference and into the Stanley Cup Final. But another heart-shattering loss to the Florida Panthers could leave McDavid, who enters the final year of his contract, feeling that this Edmonton team has reached its peak.
While there is speculation that McDavid could sign a short-term deal to ramp up the pressure on the Oilers’ front office to win now, not every pundit is buying that notion.
Here is what NHL Insider Frank Seravalli had to say on the “Morning Cuppa Hockey” show:
“I don’t buy any of it… I think he takes the 8-year deal.”
Should McDavid stay in Edmonton on a long-term deal, it would provide the franchise with enough security and relief to potentially go out and build the surrounding cast he needs.
McDavid did not have his best series against Florida, recording 1 goal and 6 assists (3 of which came on the power play), but the depth forwards did not show up, either. He and his running mate, Leon Draisaitl, can carry only so much of the load, particularly in the playoffs, and the Oilers have to bolster their depth this offseason.
They foolishly let forward Dylan Holloway and defenseman Philip Broberg walk after last season’s run to the final and must avoid similar mishaps.
In an ideal world, Edmonton could somehow move off of Darnell Nurse and his $9.25 million AAV through 2029-30 to free up space for the McDavid mega contract. Viktor Arvidsson (one year left at $4 million) and Adam Henrique (one year left at $3 million) are other possible trade candidates.
