Leon Draisaitl’s bold comments put spotlight on Connor McDavid’s uncertain Oilers future

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl spoke openly on Thursday, September 4, 2025, about the questions surrounding Connor McDavid’s future in Edmonton. McDavid is entering the final season of the eight-year contract he signed back in 2017, and he could become a free agent next summer if no new deal is in place.

Leon Draisaitl makes his stance clear on Connor McDavid’s situation

Speaking after an informal skate in Edmonton Oilers, Leon Draisaitl said he wants Connor McDavid to stay with the Oilers for as long as possible. “Of course I want him here for as long as possible. I want to do it with him,” Draisaitl told NHL.com. “But it’s about him and his family, and they’re going to make their decision based on what’s best for them.”

The two superstars have been the backbone of the team for years, leading the Edmonton Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances against the Florida Panthers in 2023 and 2024. With both players once again leading the way this season, hopes are high that the Oilers can make another long playoff run. Still, Connor McDavid’s contract situation has left fans nervous about what the future holds.Leon Draisaitl, who started the first year of his own eight-year, $112 million deal this fall, admitted there are many factors involved in such a decision. “I know he loves it here, I know he feels at home here,” Leon Draisaitl said.

“But there’s a lot of things that play into a decision like that. Hopefully something gets reported soon.”Also Read: “He kept hitting”: Wayne Gretzky admits his last NHL game was “awful” as his dad kept pushing him to play one more year

Zach Hyman supports Connor McDavid’s patient approach

Another teammate, Zach Hyman, also spoke about McDavid’s situation while attending Hockey Canada’s Olympic Orientation Camp in Calgary last week. Zach Hyman said he is not worried and does not believe fans should be, either.“It’s completely fine. Everybody makes a big deal out of it, but he’s an Oiler,” Hyman said. “It’s not like he’s going anywhere right now. I don’t envision him ever leaving. But on his end, it’s like, what’s the rush?”Zach Hyman added that if he were in Connor McDavid’s position, he would take the same approach and wait before making a decision. He reminded fans that Connor McDavid is already talking with his agent and does not need to rush into signing an extension.For now, Connor McDavid has made it clear he is focused on the season ahead rather than contract talks. While Oilers fans wait for news, his teammates have shown full support and confidence that everything will work out in time.