Connor McDavid said Thursday that “nothing’s really changed” when it comes to his contract situation with Edmonton Oilers training camp now underway.
McDavid is currently slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, with his expiring contract stealingheadlines throughout the off-season.
“Not really much to report,” McDavid said when asked about how much he thinks about the situation. “Obviously we think about it, we talk about it. Gauge where we’re at, where we’re feeling. Nothing’s really changed as of now and just excited to be here at camp and get rolling. It’s always an exciting time for us and for the rest of the league and we’re excited.”
McDavid praised the energy the Oilers came out with Thursday to start camp, stating, “Truthfully I think that’s the best practice we’ve had in a long, long, long time.”
McDavid energized by ‘young blood’ on Oilers: ‘At times last year it was a little stale’ Connor McDavid admits that the Oilers felt ‘a little stale’ at times last year, and says he’s motivated and energized by the ‘young blood’ the team has at training camp. McDavid called Thursday’s practice the best he’s seen in a long, long time and is excited to continue to get better with his teammates.
The 28-year-old superstar’s contract status could serve as a distraction this year for the Oilers as the team looks to try again after two straight Stanley Cup Final defeats to the Florida Panthers.
Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said Wednesday he continues to expect that McDavid will re-sign in Edmonton.
“I go by what he says and that is that he wants nothing more than to win in Edmonton,” Bowman told reporters. “I trust his word.”
McDavid, a generational talent with three Hart Trophies that has led the league in scoring in five of his ten seasons, is entering the final year of his eight-year, $100 million deal signed in 2017.
The Edmonton captain also earned the Conn Smythe Trophy for top playoff performer two seasons ago despite playing for the team that lost in the Final – only the sixth time that has happened in NHL history.
TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston noted on Insider Trading on Tuesday that the fact that McDavid is entering this season without a contract extension signed is notable, but that ultimately the entire negotiation will run on McDavid’s timeline.
“I think this completely remains on McDavid’s timeline,” Johnston said. “He still has some reticence about where the lineup is at, wants time to see what the contract looks like, and wants to see how everything kind of develops this season.”