As Edmonton Oilers fans nervously wait for confirmation of a signed agreement between McDavid and the Oilers keeping him in Alberta for his career, one fact that won’t calm their nerves is the reality of who they have to put their faith in the deal getting done.
Stan Bowman is not the man most Oilers fans would pick as their top choice of the man tasked with extending Connor McDavid. Controversy has followed Bowman around throughout his career, especially from his Chicago days based on how he mishandled the 2010 Kyle Beach situation.
Since being reinstated by the league last summer Bowman has had an up and down opening year tenure at the Oilers helm. As he enters year 2, nothing is more important than the impending Connor McDavid extension. How that plays out will be another factor of what defines Stan Bowman’s questionable legacy.
Stan Bowman comments on McDavid extension talks
Stan Bowman recently broke his silence on the McDavid extension dilemma via The Athletic. Talking with reporters, Bowman gave an answer to the question at hand with where talks are at by stating in regards to Connor: “When he’s ready, he’s ready.”
This answer does not provide the clarification people are looking for with the status of McDavid’s next contract. This is once again confirmation, however, that Bowman and the Oilers are giving McDavid time. Connor has previously stated that he is in no rush to get a deal done and the Oilers appear content to wait as both sides focus on the season ahead.
We’ll see if Bowman has learned from his past contract mistakes from his time with the Blackhawks. He successfully extended Leon Draisaitl this time last year, it remains to be seen what happens with McDavid.
