Wayne Gretzky doesn’t sound worried about Connor McDavid’s future in Edmonton.
Speaking on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday, Gretzky made it clear he expects the Oilers captain to stick around. “I think he's a mainstay in Edmonton,” Gretzky said.
“He likes it there. The organization is a good organization.
They've got a chance every year to win. That's all he wants.
I don't see Connor leaving Edmonton.”
McDavid is only in the first season of the two-year extension he signed last October, a deal that pays him $12.5-million per season. He kept the same average annual value as his previous contract, even though he had the chance to reset the market and become the NHL’s highest-paid player.
At the time, the six-time Art Ross Trophy winner said he passed on a raise so Edmonton’s core would have “a chance to play this out.” Still, there’s been plenty of speculation about whether he’ll remain with the Oilers beyond next season. McDavid will be eligible to sign an extension on July 1, 2027.
The Oilers have given him plenty of opportunities to chase the one trophy missing from his NHL resume. McDavid has led Edmonton to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025, though the team was knocked out in Round 1 last year.
Gretzky, who knows McDavid well, said the drive is there and then some. “There's always a stigma about winning a Stanley Cup,” Gretzky said.
“I know him really well. Nobody wants to win a championship worse than he does.
Hopefully his time will come. I know it's not from a lack of effort or dedication or love of the sport.
And I hope one day he gets that opportunity to lift the Stanley Cup.”
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