The Edmonton Oilers find themselves at a crossroads as the offseason drama surrounding Connor McDavid’s contract extension takes center stage. With negotiations unexpectedly stalling, speculation about the superstar’s long-term future in Edmonton has reached a fever pitch among fans and analysts alike.

The silence from both McDavid and the Oilers front office has only fueled more questions, as every day without an agreement brings new rumors and heightened anxiety across the hockey world.

As one of the NHL’s brightest talents and the face of the Oilers franchise, McDavid’s next move will have seismic implications—not just for Edmonton, but for the entire league. While team officials insist there’s no cause for concern and point to the emotional toll of another grueling playoff run, industry insiders are already debating the potential scenarios that could unfold.

From record-breaking salary projections to the possibility of a short-term deal with major strings attached, the uncertainty surrounding McDavid’s contract has created an atmosphere of unprecedented anticipation and unease. All eyes are now on Edmonton as the hockey world waits for answers about the future of its biggest star.

Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The stalling extension negotiations between Connor McDavid and the Oilers have sparked a new discussion about his future in Edmonton, per TSN’s Martin Biron.

Connor McDavid has been eligible to sign a contract extension since July 1st, but nothing has happened on that just yet.

Indeed, Oilers GM Stan Bowman has been very vocal about how he would let McDavid dictate the timing of his negotiations.

According to an intervention from Ryan Rishaug on TSN, McDavid probably needed some breathing room after another tough, emotional loss in the Stanley Cup Finals.

He added that he’s not concerned by the fact that no deal has been signed yet:

“I think it’s a holding pattern right now, and I think that’s okay It was a long, emotional season again for McDavid and the Oilers. So it wouldn’t surprise me if there is a little bit of breathing room that’s needed from McDavid’s end to get his bearings and get settled in.

The fact that they’re not right into the nitty-gritty of this right now in terms of contract and dollars and hard negotiations-I don’t view that as concerning at all.”

Then, Martin Biron revealed that he thinks McDavid could earn $18 million a year, but would accept $16 million for a two-year contract with strings attached.

Biron even stated that if McDavid ends up agreeing to sign a two-year deal, he could leave the Oilers after the contract if the team can’t win a Stanley Cup:

“I think $18 million is the number, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Connor McDavid, if the Oilers are solid, says, ‘I’ll go to $16 million on a two-year deal.’ But you know that’s coming with strings attached-that in two years, if it’s not good, it’s bye-bye, and I’m gone.”

McDavid, 28, scored 100 points, including 26 goals, in 67 games last season in Edmonton.