“Too Much At Stake”: McDavid’s Future and Where Oilers Will Put Smart Money

As per Allan Mitchell of The Athletic, “The smart money should still be on McDavid signing in Edmonton before he hits free agency. For the Oilers franchise, too much is at stake.”

This was one of the more poignant lines from his Monday article, which discussed many Oilers-related topics but focused on the future of Connor McDavid and how the organization will soon be at a crossroads, as will ownership. Mitchell adds that owner Daryl Katz will need to know if the captain is willing to sign another contract and who should be left to navigate those waters. He knows the value of McDavid, and if McDavid is checking out, the team has to move on.

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Until that happens, no effort will be spared in making the Oilers better. 

The Oilers have to get something in return for McDavid if he’s not going to stay. Holding onto him and trying to make playoff runs until he has the ability to walk away is not an option. Mitchell writes, “McDavid’s exit would impact ticket prices and the team’s value, which is currently otherworldly. That number would change if McDavid leaves the team.” At the same time, if he leaves and nothing comes back to give the fans hope this team can still compete, that’s an unforgivable mistake in asset management.

Mitchell adds, “By next summer, if player and organization are far apart, the Oilers will have to consider trading him around July 1 and free-agent signing season. That would bring nothing but headaches.”

Who Is In Charge of The McDavid Decision?

Mitchell raised an interesting question, especially given the way this season went. A lot of heat is on GM Stan Bowman for how he put this team together. Jeff Jackson hasn’t escaped scrutiny as CEO. Can either be trusted with the extension or the trade?

Both are being blamed for the offer sheets for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. Bowman signed Trent Frederic and Andrew Mangiapane. Jackson prioritized players like Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, while both let Arvidsson and key depth guys leave the organization, doing little with the cap money they saved by allowing players to walk. Oh ya, and there’s the still unsolved goaltending issue…

Every one of these decisions, McDavid is keenly aware of. These are the two managers who, for now, will be tasked with either keeping McDavid or getting the best return if he’s moved. Is Katz confident in either executive to get it right? So far, there’s little evidence to suggest he should trust either with such a big decision.

Mitchell writes that this summer is a key summer. “Bowman and his staff need to find the pieces that get the organization close.” If he doesn’t, the clock is ticking on McDavid and his future in Edmonton and decisions will need to be made about whether Bowman and company are the right people left in charge when that decision needs to be made. Mitchell writes, “If the Oilers want to sign McDavid to a fourth contract, the team needs to offer proof it can contend. That starts now.”

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Oilers, Canucks & Big Trade?