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Connor McDavid's Comments to Elliotte Friedman All But Confirm He's Pulling a Mitch Marner


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Alexander Cole
September 17, 2025  (8:35)
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Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid
Photo credit: Imagn Images

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid recently sat down for an interview with Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas, which is quite revealing of where his head is.

Connor McDavid is the best player of his generation, and as a result, the Edmonton Oilers would like to keep him around for the long haul.
Unfortunately, despite two straight Stanley Cup Finals appearances, the team has yet to win the grand prize in the McDavid era. The league keeps getting better, and the Oilers remain stagnant.
To make matters worse, McDavid officially becomes a free agent in the Summer of 2026. While the Oilers figured they would have an extension in place by now, McDavid is taking his sweet time.

Connor McDavid speaks on future with the Edmonton Oilers

Recently, McDavid sat down with Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas, who asked him about his contract negotiations and whether or not he wants to get something done.
McDavid made it clear that he wants to take his time. Furthermore, he noted that while he does want to win in Edmonton this season, he can't divulge on his plans beyond that.
«I think everybody's entitled to think whatever they want. I think people just kind of assumed that things were going to happen. And, you know, just goes to show that not everybody knows exactly what's going on. You know, my wife, I obviously love being here in Edmonton, and we have every intention, as I said, to win here in Edmonton and I have all the faith in the world in this '25-26 season. And beyond that still remains to be seen. We have time. It's our decision. Basically, we've earned that. And we're gonna take our time with it.»
McDavid was then asked if this current team is constructed to win. He said that the pieces are there, but it's going to be a feeling that will come as the season goes on.
«You know, all the pieces are here for '25-26. It's going to be a feeling. You know, it's gonna be you know when the time's right, the moment's right, I think it'll just be a feeling. But as of right now, just excited to get the season going really.»

These comments are striking, as it really does feel like McDavid is taking a similar approach to Mitch Marner. Marner was very noncommittal throughout the season, and once the Toronto Maple Leafs got eliminated, it was as if he was gone before Leafs fans could say goodbye.
McDavid leaving the Oilers would be disastrous for that franchise. However, for 31 other teams, it would be like Christmas.
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Connor McDavid's Comments to Elliotte Friedman All But Confirm He's Pulling a Mitch Marner

Do you believe Connor McDavid will leave the Edmonton Oilers?

YES14165.6 %
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