Connor McDavid, the face of the Edmonton Oilers, has spoken out about his contract situation as training camp kicks off, stating that nothings really changed.

With McDavid set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, his expiring contract has been a hot topic throughout the offseason. Not really much to report, he commented, adding that discussions about his future are ongoing. We gauge where were at, where were feeling. Nothings really changed as of now. Nevertheless, he expressed enthusiasm for the season ahead, emphasizing the excitement around the training camp.

In a positive note, McDavid praised the energy displayed by the Oilers during their first practice, calling it the best practice weve had in a long, long, long time. With the team eager to rebound after two consecutive Stanley Cup Final losses to the Florida Panthers, McDavid's contract talks could serve as a potential distraction.

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman remains optimistic about McDavid's future with the team, stating, I go by what he says and that is that he wants nothing more than to win in Edmonton. Bowman's confidence reflects the organization’s hope that their captain will sign an extension.

At just 28 years old, McDavid, a generational talent, has amassed three Hart Trophies and led the league in scoring five times during his illustrious career. He’s entering the last year of his eight-year, $100 million contract, initially signed in 2017. Notably, he also earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the top playoff performer two years ago, despite his team losing in the Final, marking only the sixth time in NHL history a player has received the award from a losing team.

TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston weighed in recently, noting that while McDavid's contract status is significant, the timeline for negotiations remains entirely in his hands. He still has some reticence about where the lineup is at, wants time to see what the contract looks like, and wants to see how everything kind of develops this season, Johnston elaborated.

As McDavid navigates his final season under the current deal, fans and teammates alike are eagerly watching to see what unfolds in Edmonton.