With free agency slowly but surely approaching, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has revealed his top priority before making a contract decision next July.
Speaking with The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman on Tuesday, McDavid told the outlet where his focus is as speculation grows about his future in Edmonton or potentially elsewhere.
“My priority is to win,” McDavid said. “That’s all that matters to me at this point in my career.
“My priority is to win. My priority is to take care of my family. Those are the two things that I worry about. Those are my two obligations.”
Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) skates in warm-up prior to a postseason game.
Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The comments made by McDavid suggest his decision will rest heavily on the Oilers’ ability to contend for a Stanley Cup, which should ease tensions in Edmonton following a run to the finals and forcing Game 7 last year.
McDavid also downplayed the importance of becoming the NHL’s highest-paid player, signaling openness to flexibility in his next deal as long as the team can keep its contending window open.
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (29) and forward Connor McDavid (97) talk before a face off.
Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
The Oilers might have another advantage in having McDavid’s longstanding teammate and fellow superstar Leon Draisaitl signed to a long-term, eight-year contract last July.
Draisaitl, however, has noted that McDavid will ultimately do what’s best for himself making it clear he won’t impact McDavid’s decision.
“Connor’s going to do what’s best for him, right?” Draisaitl said on Sept. 3. “That’s just the way this works, and it’s supposed to work that way. I did what I thought was best for me personally.”
The Oilers have struggled off the gates this season sitting fifth in the Pacific Division with a 13-10-2 record and 28 total points. Edmonton, however, has shown some improvement of late going 6-3-1 in their last ten games.
