Insider Elliotte Friedman on Connor McDavid: 'There's Something Imperfect In His Eyes' in Edmonton

Connor McDavid feels there's something 'imperfect' about the Oilers right now

We heard earlier on Wednesday, the statements from Connor McDavid. He's still not rushing to sign an extension with the Edmonton Oilers... And if Opening Night of the 2025-26 season comes and he's still not signed: So be it.

Now insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada has weighed in with his thoughts on the latest comments that are making some Oilers fans nervous:

McDavid must be convinced the Oilers will continue to be a serious Stanley Cup contender. Any team with he and Leon Draisaitl are high on the list of challengers. But it takes a village, and he wants to see a strong foundation for years to come.
The Oilers don’t see it differently, and everything they’ve done over the past few years is about winning. But, until McDavid signs, there’s something imperfect in his eyes, whether effective youth or strong enough goaltending or something else.

Aside from the McDavid contract, those two issues will be centers of attention this season for the Oilers: Does the influx of intriguing young prospects like Ike Howard and Matt Savoie move the needle? How long will they continue to stand pat with the goaltending duo of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, who have failed to lead them to a Stanley Cup triumph?

On the latter note, one Oilers analyst said recently that it's "inevitable" that the Skinner/Pickard duo will not be in place by the time the trade deadline rolls around.

But as for McDavid, Friedman reiterates that "he’s now warned us" that he's not convinced that the status quo will do, and he won't be simply re-upping on an extension, no questions asked.

McDavid, 28, is wrapping up his eight-year, $100 million deal this coming season, and can be an unrestricted free agent next July 1 if nothing is signed before then. He finished last season with 100 points, his 8th time hitting that marker in 10 NHL seasons, and led the playoffs in scoring with 33 points in 22 games.