{"id":121128,"date":"2025-09-05T05:41:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T05:41:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/121128\/"},"modified":"2025-09-05T05:41:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T05:41:08","slug":"mcdavids-messaging-at-captains-skate-hints-big-win-for-oilers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/121128\/","title":{"rendered":"McDavid\u2019s Messaging at Captain’s Skate Hints Big Win for Oilers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Connor McDavid<\/a> understands that whatever contract decision he makes is a big one. It matters not just for himself and his family, but his teammates and the Edmonton Oilers as an organization. He wants to get it right, which is why he\u2019s taking his time and going through his own process to feel comfortable when he finally tells the Oilers what he wants. <\/p>\n

As he enters the final year of his $100 million contract, McDavid is showing that he\u2019s one of the most calculated athletes in the NHL. Some might suggest that\u2019s a problem, but being calculated isn\u2019t always a bad thing. <\/p>\n

What McDavid made clear on Thursday when speaking with the media was that this isn\u2019t about money, not really. McDavid himself said as much in a wide-ranging interview with TSN\u2019s Ryan Rishaug<\/a>, where he also explained, \u201cWe\u2019re trying to find a scenario that works for everybody in terms of my family, my family\u2019s security, a deal that makes sense for the team to continue to have success. <\/p>\n

McDavid isn\u2019t chasing maximum dollars. \u201cI would say that people that say that, and talk about that side of it, like we\u2019re trying to hit some type of home run, I \u00a0would say they don\u2019t know me very well and they don\u2019t spend much time around me obviously because that isn\u2019t the priority.\u201d McDavid is more concerned with winning and proving his worth on the ice when all is said and done. <\/p>\n

That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important he commit to the franchise if their contenders. He also knows it\u2019s important to help them make everything work financially. \u201cI don\u2019t need to see anything. I have total faith in the guys running the team. I\u2019m just not in a rush to do it,\u201d McDavid told<\/a> Sportsnet\u2019s Mark Spector.<\/p>\n

Is It Worrying McDavid Being This Careful With His Contract?<\/p>\n

Some fans may be nervous that McDavid is even hesitating, but they shouldn\u2019t be. What he\u2019s doing is smart. Before binding himself to Edmonton for the rest of his prime, he wants to ensure the Oilers can build a contender around him season after season. That\u2019s not selfish\u2014it\u2019s the mark of a leader.<\/p>\n

\"ConnorConnor McDavid talked about his thoughts on an extension with the Edmonton Oilers<\/p>\n

He\u2019s also not just making a decision that benefits himself. Now married, McDavid referenced his family, including wife Lauren Kyle, and how this decision impacts her too. She\u2019s now rooted in Edmonton with several business ventures and friends. <\/p>\n

McDavid doesn\u2019t want to make a mistake and rush a decision. \u201cThis is a big decision for not only my life but my playing career,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve been playing hockey since I was two years old. Everything I\u2019ve put into my life\u2019s work is hockey, and this is a big decision in that, so I want to get it right.\u201d<\/p>\n

That kind of perspective is rare. And it\u2019s why Oilers management shouldn\u2019t panic if the deal doesn\u2019t get signed before the season begins. McDavid has all the leverage, and when he\u2019s ready, the negotiation will be short. His priority is winning\u2014something he\u2019s been clear about since the end of last season.<\/p>\n

In truth, McDavid\u2019s careful approach should reassure Oilers fans. If anything, all this delay proves is that he\u2019s thinking about how to lift everyone around him.<\/p>\n

Oh\u2026 and he also said, \u201cI want to prove that scoring 50 or 60 is not a one-off. I\u2019ve had 50 goals, and I\u2019ve had 100 assists, and I like the goals a little bit more.\u201d How incredible is that to hear if you\u2019re an Oilers fan. <\/p>\n

Next: Skinner Makes Ambitious Statement Ahead of Oilers\u2019 Camp<\/a><\/p>\n

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