One of the major storylines heading into the 2024–25 season is the uncertainty surrounding Connor McDavid’s future in Edmonton. The 28-year-old superstar is entering the final year of his contract, and while a departure still feels unlikely, the mere possibility of him reaching free agency next offseason has sparked plenty of speculation. But don’t count Oilers general manager Stan Bowman among the concerned.
According to a TSN report, Bowman said that extension talks with the team’s franchise player are progressing. Speaking with Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer on CHED 880 Edmonton, Bowman said he is “very encouraged” by the initial discussions he’s had with McDavid’s agent, Judd Moldaver.
“I’ve had really good conversations with Judd since the season ended, and I’ve tried to give Connor his space, and I think that it’s important,” Bowman said. “You know, a lot of this is respecting the athlete and their timeline,” he said. “So, we haven’t had any of those types of detailed discussions yet, but we certainly will, and I think we’re very encouraged by all the conversations I’ve had to date. And when the time comes, the time comes.”
McDavid, who has one year left on his deal that comes with a $12.5MM AAV, became eligible for an extension on July 1. While there is speculation on what McDavid’s next contract would demand annually, it’s fair to assume he’ll seek to at least match teammate Leon Draisaitl’s deal that comes with a $14MM AAV over the next five seasons.
In 67 games last season, McDavid recorded 26 goals and 100 points, marking the seventh 100-point campaign of his already illustrious career. He added a league-high 33 points in the postseason — the second consecutive year he led all players in playoff scoring — but he and the Oilers were once again defeated by the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final.
Despite the disappointment, along with McDavid’s post-season admission to the media that he was in no rush related to extension talks, Bowman believes an extension with his captain is imminent.
“He’s a huge part of everything we do here, and so I don’t have a timeline update, but I do expect to have some conversations with them soon and. And hopefully get that wrapped up,” he said.
Is this the same encouraging development that our unproven prospects are gonna have monster years?????
I don’t get what Bowman sees as encouraging from what was said here. Much ado about nothing.
Maybe that explains why everytime he goes to dinner, he thinks the waitress is into him.
Vamos Gatos!
He’s encouraged McDavids agent spoke to him!
So, Stan Bowman has had conversations with McDavid’s agent, But not really.
McDavid will have plenty of “space” from Bowman when he leaves town following the upcoming season.
You suck Stan.
Connor needs to get out of Edmonton if he ever wants to win a cup. I’m from Edmonton and he has no chance of getting a cup here.Hes good player not a great player cause a great player would already have a cup after 10 years in the league.