As the Edmonton Oilers look ahead to another highly anticipated NHL season, the spotlight is once again on their two superstars, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. However, this time it’s not just about their on-ice performances but rather the future of their partnership. Draisaitl has made it clear, both privately and publicly, that he wants McDavid to stay in Edmonton for the long haul, and he isn’t shy about expressing it.
“I want him by my side,” Draisaitl said during a media availability in early September. “He’s the best player in the world, and I think we’ve built something really special here. I can’t imagine playing without him, and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure he stays with the Oilers.”
This public push from Draisaitl comes amid growing speculation about McDavid’s future in Edmonton. The Oilers’ captain is still under contract through the 2025-26 season, but the NHL landscape is no stranger to early extensions, and conversations surrounding McDavid’s next deal have already started to circulate. Draisaitl’s vocal advocacy for an extension highlights the importance of the McDavid-Draisaitl duo not just to the Oilers but to the entire league.
The McDavid-Draisaitl Duo: A Generational Partnership
Since they began playing together in the 2016-17 season, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have formed one of the most dynamic duos in NHL history. Together, they’ve redefined offensive production in the modern era, racking up points at an unprecedented pace. McDavid, often regarded as the best player in the world, has won multiple Hart Trophies as league MVP, while Draisaitl claimed his own Hart Trophy in 2020, becoming the first German-born player to earn the prestigious award.
Their on-ice chemistry is undeniable, and both players have often spoken about how their complementary skill sets make them better. McDavid’s lightning speed, playmaking ability, and vision have been perfectly balanced by Draisaitl’s strength, versatility, and lethal scoring touch. The Oilers have benefitted enormously from this partnership, with both players consistently finishing among the league leaders in points, year after year.
But it’s not just their offensive prowess that has made the duo so important to Edmonton’s success. Draisaitl and McDavid have been central to changing the culture of the team and have raised expectations for the Oilers organization. After years of struggle, the Oilers are now perennial playoff contenders, and the hope of winning the franchise’s first Stanley Cup since 1990 rests on their shoulders.
However, with McDavid’s current contract inching closer to its expiration, questions have naturally arisen about what the future holds for the Oilers’ captain. That’s where Draisaitl’s public stance comes into play.
Draisaitl’s Advocacy: A Rare Public Display of Unity
It’s not often that players openly campaign for their teammates to stay with the team, especially when it comes to contract negotiations, which are usually handled privately between players, agents, and management. But Draisaitl’s vocal push for McDavid to sign an extension is a testament to the unique bond between the two players.
“I think what we have here is special,” Draisaitl continued. “We’ve both put in a lot of work to help this team get better, and I truly believe we’re on the cusp of something great. Connor and I have grown together as players and as leaders, and I want to keep that going.”
Draisaitl’s words underscore the belief that Edmonton’s best chance at sustained success comes with both him and McDavid at the helm. The Oilers’ front office, led by general manager Ken Holland, has expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of keeping the team’s core intact. However, the dynamics of NHL contracts are complex, and there are plenty of factors that could influence McDavid’s decision to extend his stay in Edmonton.
McDavid’s Contract Situation: A Delicate Balancing Act
McDavid’s current deal, an eight-year, $100 million contract signed in 2017, was the richest in NHL history at the time. It made him the highest-paid player in the league, with an annual average value (AAV) of $12.5 million. For McDavid, the contract reflected his status as the face of the Oilers and the NHL as a whole.
But as the expiration of that contract looms, the market has shifted, and the pressures surrounding a potential extension have grown. While McDavid has repeatedly expressed his love for the city of Edmonton and his desire to bring a Stanley Cup back to the passionate Oilers fanbase, he’s also made it clear that he wants to win championships.
“I love playing in Edmonton, and I think we’ve got a great group here,” McDavid said during a press conference earlier this summer. “But at the end of the day, my priority is winning. I want to win, and I think everyone in that room wants the same thing.”
Winning has been a challenge for the Oilers, who have made strides in recent seasons but have fallen short in their quest for the Stanley Cup. They’ve been knocked out of the playoffs in the early rounds multiple times, despite strong individual performances from McDavid and Draisaitl. The team’s inability to make a deep playoff run has raised questions about whether McDavid might consider moving to a more established contender if the Oilers don’t achieve greater success soon.
The financial landscape of the NHL has also evolved since McDavid signed his current deal. Other superstar players, such as Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche and Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, have recently inked lucrative extensions, pushing the ceiling for top-end contracts even higher. There is a possibility that McDavid’s next deal could eclipse even those, making him the highest-paid player once again.
All of these factors make McDavid’s contract situation a delicate balancing act for the Oilers. While the team undoubtedly wants to keep its franchise player, they also need to construct a roster around him and Draisaitl that can compete for championships. Balancing the financial realities of the salary cap with the desire to retain McDavid will require careful planning.
The Oilers’ Future: Can Edmonton Build a Cup-Contending Team?
For Draisaitl and McDavid, the biggest question isn’t necessarily about money—it’s about winning. Both players have made it clear that their ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup, and they’re willing to make sacrifices to achieve that dream. But for the Oilers’ management, the challenge lies in building a team that can compete at the highest level while keeping their two superstars happy.
The Oilers have made significant strides in recent seasons. Under head coach Jay Woodcroft, they’ve implemented a faster, more aggressive style of play that capitalizes on McDavid and Draisaitl’s offensive talents. The additions of players like Zach Hyman and Evander Kane have provided much-needed depth, while defenseman Darnell Nurse has emerged as a key leader on the blue line.
However, there are still areas of concern. Goaltending has been a consistent issue for the Oilers, and while Stuart Skinner has shown promise, the team will need more consistency between the pipes to make a deep playoff run. The defense, while improved, still has room for growth, and secondary scoring remains a point of emphasis for the front office.
Draisaitl has publicly acknowledged these challenges but remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory.
“We know what we need to do to win, and I think we’re getting there,” Draisaitl said. “It’s not easy to win in this league, but I believe in the group we have. Connor and I talk about this all the time—we want to be here when we win the Cup. We want to do it together.”
That sentiment—“we want to do it together”—has become a recurring theme in Draisaitl’s comments about McDavid. The two players share not only a professional bond but also a personal one, and Draisaitl’s desire to keep McDavid in Edmonton is as much about their friendship as it is about hockey.
The Fans’ Perspective: A City Holding Its Breath
For Oilers fans, the possibility of McDavid leaving is almost unthinkable. The city of Edmonton has embraced McDavid since he was selected first overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, and he has become the face of the franchise in every sense. His jersey is a best-seller, and he is a constant presence in the community, participating in charity events and engaging with fans.
Draisaitl’s public comments have resonated with the Oilers faithful, many of whom share his desire to see McDavid stay in Edmonton. Social media has been flooded with messages of support for the team’s two superstars, and the #KeepMcDavid hashtag has gained traction among fans who want to see the captain commit to a long-term future with the Oilers.
However, there’s also a sense of anxiety. The NHL has seen its share of star players move on to other teams, and the prospect of McDavid doing the same is a source of concern for many fans. While most believe that McDavid is loyal to the Oilers and the city of Edmonton, there’s an understanding that the team needs to deliver on its promise of building a championship-caliber roster.
“I don’t even want to think about McDavid leaving,” said Oilers season ticket holder Jason Miller. “He’s the heart and soul of this team. But at the same time, I get it—he wants to win, and if we can’t give him that opportunity, I wouldn’t blame him for exploring other options. That’s why it’s so important for the team to make the right moves and put us in a position to compete.”
The passion of Oilers fans is evident in every aspect of the team’s culture, and they are hopeful that Draisaitl’s public push will help convince McDavid to stay. After all, Edmonton has seen what can happen when its hockey heroes leave—memories of Wayne Gretzky’s 1988 trade to the Los Angeles Kings still haunt the city to this day.
What’s Next? McDavid’s Timeline for a Decision
While there’s no immediate rush for McDavid to sign an extension—his current contract still has two seasons remaining—the NHL is a league that thrives on speculation. Every move, every quote, and every action will be dissected by media, fans, and analysts alike in the lead-up to any decision regarding McDavid’s future.
For his part, McDavid has remained relatively tight-lipped about his plans. He’s expressed his desire to win in Edmonton, but he’s also careful to manage expectations, knowing that the business side of hockey can be unpredictable.
“I think everyone knows how much I love playing here,” McDavid said in a recent interview. “But right now, my focus is on the upcoming season and doing everything I can to help this team succeed. We’ll see what happens down the road.”
As for Draisaitl, he’s made it clear that he won’t stop advocating for McDavid to stay.
“I’ll keep saying it—Connor is my teammate, my friend, and the best player in the world,” Draisaitl said. “I want him here for as long as possible, and I’m going to do everything in my power to make that happen.”
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for the Oilers’ Future
The next few years will be critical for the Edmonton Oilers as they navigate the complex landscape of building a Stanley Cup contender while securing the future of their franchise cornerstone. With Leon Draisaitl leading the charge in publicly advocating for Connor McDavid to sign an extension, the pressure is on both the team and the player to ensure that the partnership remains intact.
For Oilers fans, the hope is that Draisaitl’s words will resonate with McDavid and that the two superstars can continue to lead the team to new heights. After all, the prospect of a future without the McDavid-Draisaitl duo is one that no one in Edmonton wants to entertain.
As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on the Oilers, their two generational talents, and the decisions that will shape the franchise’s future for years to come.
