Countdown to McDavid's Next Move

As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, the buzz surrounding Edmonton Oilers' captain Connor McDavid's next contract is reaching a fever pitch. The 28-year-old phenom is set to enter the last year of his jaw-dropping eight-year, $100 million deal, and with a chance to hit unrestricted free agency looming next summer, fans are on edge.

Unlike his teammate Leon Draisaitl, who signed a lucrative eight-year, $112 million extension without testing the waters, McDavid remains noncommittal about his future with the team.

Oilers GM Gives Insight on McDavid’s Situation

In a recent interview on TSN's *OverDrive*, Oilers general manager Stan Bowman offered fans some hope and insight. "He’s obviously the best player in the game and we love having him here, he’s our captain and our leader," he stated. "We’re looking forward to this season and we understand he’s working through some things. We’ll be patient, but he knows we want him to stay in Edmonton."

McDavid Opens Up About His Future

Reflecting on his monumental decision, McDavid spoke with TSN’s Ryan Rishaug last week, emphasizing the importance of taking his time. "I’m in no rush. This is a big decision for not only my life but my playing career. I've devoted my life to hockey, and I want to make sure this decision aligns with what’s best for everyone involved, including the organization," he revealed.

Stuart Skinner: The Spotlight’s Next Target

While all eyes are on McDavid, another player set to face scrutiny this season is goaltender Stuart Skinner. The 26-year-old netminder played a crucial role in guiding the Oilers to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, yet his journey hasn't been without bumps.

Last season, Skinner struggled with career lows, boasting a .896 save percentage and a 2.81 goals-against average. Even with a 26-18-4 record, his performance in the playoffs was shaky, leading to backup Calvin Pickard taking over temporarily. However, Skinner rebounded when called upon during the Finals.

Oilers Shake Up Coaching Staff

Recognizing the need for improvement, Bowman has made significant changes, including parting ways with goalie coach Dustin Schwartz after 11 seasons. Newcomer Peter Aubry aims to revitalize Skinner's game: "Sometimes change is good and can unlock potential. We believe Stuart can take the next step in his career. He has shown he can make big saves and win crucial games for us."

As the Oilers gear up for the season, both McDavid and Skinner will be pivotal to their success. Fans are eager to see how these situations unfold!