Connor McDavid’s future in Edmonton is suddenly more uncertain than ever, and the hockey world is buzzing with speculation. While NHL insiders are convinced the Oilers captain will ink a new deal to stay, recent developments suggest that his next contract could be far more complicated—and revealing—than fans might expect.

With whispers of a short-term extension and hints at a possible salary discount, McDavid seems poised to make a move that could redefine his legacy in Edmonton, and perhaps even start the countdown to his departure.

Behind closed doors, frustration is mounting. After another heartbreaking playoff run and years of questionable roster decisions, McDavid’s patience may be wearing thin.

Is his loyalty to the Oilers as unbreakable as it once seemed, or is he quietly preparing for life after Edmonton? Why isn’t he locking down a long-term deal, and what message is he sending to management, teammates, and fans?

The answers aren’t simple, and the stakes have never been higher. As the Oilers scramble to keep their generational talent happy, the next chapter in McDavid’s career could hold shocking twists that no one saw coming. What’s really driving his next contract decision? Read on to uncover the full story.

Connor McDavid with the Edmonton Oilers

Photo credit: Sam Navarro – Imagn Images

NHL insiders are confident that McDavid will sign to stay on with the Oilers, but it could also start the clock on his departure from Edmonton.

Most recent reports about McDavid’s contract talks indicate that the Oilers captain will stay on a short-term deal, and could even take a slight salary discount. However, McDavid is also expected to be clear about how long he’s committed to Edmonton.

Oilers analyst says McDavid extension will start new countdown on his tenure with the team

In a new piece for the Athletic, Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell brought up some significant concerns about McDavid’s future.

The Oilers have got close but not close enough. They now have an aging core, with McDavid even nearing 30 years old. He won’t be able to carry the team forever.

McDavid’s frustration after the Final likely had much to do with the Panthers’ impressive efforts against the Oilers’ outlet attempts. Some of the vexation may also come from the decade of curious roster decisions that consistently left Edmonton poorer.

If a short-term contract is a result of that frustration, it may clarify things and possibly put an end to walkabout trade ideas and front-office gaffes that cost real talent. This isn’t Stan Bowman’s fault, but it is his problem.

The length of McDavid’s deal starts the clock on what could be his final seasons in Edmonton.

– Allan Mitchell, the Athletic

Mitchell repeatedly brought up McDavid’s frustration at the end of the Cup Final. It may well have been about in-series tactics and adjusting to the Florida Panthers, but it also may have been a brief showing of the frustration of not winning yet in his 10 year career.

We were never really able to generate any momentum up the ice. We kept f****** trying the same thing, over and over again, banging our heads against the wall.

– Connor McDavid

Still, there’s little doubt that McDavid will be re-signing in Edmonton, and that reflects the belief the Captain has in winning with this group.

The team is undoubtedly close, and have added exciting young talents with Savoie and Howard to extend their contention window. But McDavid is still sending a message by not committing to just signing an 8 year deal.

If McDavid signs a short-term contract and the Oilers are looking worse without a Stanley Cup win by the time he’s on the other side of 30, he may be looking at other teams.

To stop this from happening, the Oilers will need to win a Stanley Cup and prove to McDavid they can continue to contend.