The mood in Edmonton has changed completely in the last few days. Connor McDavid, the Oilers’ superstar captain, has decided to stay with the team for another two years after this upcoming season. Fans and the team instantly went from anxious and worried to excited and happy.
The past few months had been stressful. There were questions about whether McDavid might leave Edmonton and explore other options. While many will now assume he never seriously considered leaving, McDavid admitted that every option was on the table, including free agency.
He explained in a video shared by TSN on X that he thought carefully about all possibilities. But ultimately, his heart is in Edmonton. He said he wants to stay with the team, with the core group of players, and with the city and fans. Winning in Edmonton and making the city proud is very important to him.
McDavid, now 28, signed a two-year contract worth $25 million, which will start in the 2026-27 season. The deal brings relief but also puts pressure on the Oilers. The team now has a short window to do everything they can to win the Stanley Cup.
McDavid has made it clear that winning is his top priority. The Oilers have come close in recent seasons, but falling short is not acceptable to him. If they fail to win a championship in the next two years, the team could face the same situation again, with the risk that McDavid might consider leaving.
For now, Edmonton has a chance to build a team around their superstar and aim for the Stanley Cup. The quest starts tonight at home against their rivals, the Calgary Flames, as McDavid and the Oilers look to bring a championship back to the city.
