As hockey fans eagerly wait for the Stanley Cup final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, many are wondering about Connor McDavid’s future in Edmonton. McDavid, 28 years old, has just one year left on his contract and will become a free agent next July. The Oilers have the chance to sign their star captain to a new deal starting July 1.
Larry Brooks from the New York Post said McDavid could easily re-sign with Edmonton, becoming the first true Oilers legend to spend his entire NHL career in the city. But Brooks also raised the possibility that McDavid might follow in the footsteps of former Oilers great Mark Messier and move to the New York Rangers next year, with or without winning a Stanley Cup.
Meanwhile, Bruce Arthur from the Toronto Star pointed out that some Maple Leafs fans still dream of McDavid returning to Toronto. He believes this might only happen if McDavid wins the Stanley Cup with Edmonton and then seeks a new challenge, like helping the Leafs end their 58-year championship drought. However, Arthur admits this idea is a long shot, just like the Rangers possibility.
Back in Messier’s time, the Oilers’ dynasty broke up because their owner faced financial trouble. Today, the Oilers have strong ownership and play under a salary cap system that helps them keep top players like McDavid. The prediction is that the Oilers will sign McDavid to an eight-year extension this summer, making him the highest-paid player in the NHL starting in 2026-27.
Mitch Marner’s Future: Stay with Maple Leafs or Move to Vegas?
At the same time, there’s a lot of talk about whether Mitch Marner will re-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs or test free agency on July 1. Marner, also 28, is one of the Leafs’ key players.
Gord Stellick from the Toronto Star says the Vegas Golden Knights are likely to make a strong offer for Marner this summer. Vegas wasn’t happy with their recent playoff exit and might trade older players to add young talent like Marner.
Julian Gaudio from The Hockey News mentioned that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported a possible trade involving Marner last summer between the Leafs and Golden Knights. The deal didn’t happen because the Leafs wanted defenseman Shea Theodore in return, and it wasn’t clear if Marner would agree to the move.
Jim Parsons noted that Vegas isn’t afraid to make big trades, pointing to their past deals for Tomas Hertl, Noah Hanifin, Jack Eichel, and Mark Stone.
Should the Maple Leafs Follow Vegas’ Example?
Damien Cox suggested that the Maple Leafs should take a page from Vegas’ playbook by trading future picks for players who can help them win now. He also said the Leafs should try hard to keep Marner, as losing him would hurt their offense and special teams.
But with GM Brad Treliving talking about changing the Leafs’ team “DNA,” it seems less likely Marner will stay. Even if he does, there’s no guarantee Toronto would match the success Vegas has had with their big moves.
