Analyst: McDavid May “Smell Flowers”, Leave Oilers for East Rival

ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski was on The Sheet with Jeff Marek on Wednesday and asked why everyone assumed that because Leon Draisaitl signed in Edmonton, it was a guarantee that Connor McDavid would also sign. Admitting that he was stirring the pot, he said, “I don’t think that’s the case. I think the next couple of playoff seasons for the Oilers, whilst Connor McDavid remains under contract, are very, very important.”

Wyshynski added, “I don’t necessarily believe anymore that Leon signing is a Harbinger for Connor signing. I don’t think it is as guaranteed, cut and dry, you know, to paint the mural, and that Connor’s going to stay.”

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Who Might McDavid Sign with Then?

Wyshynski admitted it was a “little NBA of me” to put out some off-the-ice stuff and create a “little buzzaroo.” However, he added, “I’m surprised that we’re all resigned to the idea that he staying.” He figures it is just logical to see what’s out there.

When trying to come up with other options beyond the Oilers, he noted that if you look at a team like Boston or a team like the New York Rangers and how those lineups are built, it gets interesting. He said both teams have contracts that, in a couple of seasons, could allow them to pitch for McDavid and are “pretty interesting franchises” that’ll be ready to make a run at the best player in the world.

Wyshynski questioned McDavid’s curiosity about being on a team with a player like Adam Fox or Igor Shesterkin. Wyshynski said it’s all about winning for McDavid. He said that there are considerations about trying to build a winning team and that McDavid might stick his head out the window and try to smell the flowers a little bit.

McDavid Is Still Likely to Re-Sign With the Oilers

He said, “I still believe he’s going to stay. He’s got roots down there, and the house, we’ve all seen the house in magazines.. as we famously say on this program, his stuff is there.” He mentioned that his former agent runs the team, giving him levels of power that are unprecedented to any other player in this league.

Marek added that nobody from either side has waivered or hinted that McDavid would be interested in leaving. McDavid and Draisaitl bought houses near each other. They are happy together and the team wants them together. “I understand that there will be teams that create space on the roster for them.” He said teams, including a club like the Buffalo Sabres, would make a run at him if McDavid did not sign. “They’ll take a run at him.”

Still, “He’s staying,” said Marek.

Wyshynski finished with, “I am less convinced now than I had I was when Leon put pen to paper” that Connor’s extension was a given.

The segment came off as a bit anti-Edmonton and pro-Rangers. Wyshysnki posted later that day on social media, “I still have no idea how this morphed into “I hate the Oilers.” Potentially, it’s because he hinted that McDavid might leave a Cup contender for a team that is in total disarray. The Rangers are falling down the standings, and there’s chatter that the team might even consider an Adam Fox move. Why would McDavid have any desire to join a team in that situation?

Next: Oilers Leading Charge to Sign Klingberg, Working UFA Loophole