Maple Leafs Host Blasts Oilers Attendance: Hints Fans Missing McDavid Window

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Are fans of the Edmonton Oilers taking for granted what might be a limited window to keep watching Connor McDavid live? One host seemed to hint as much on Wednesday when Co-Host, of Leafs Morning Take, Jay Rosehill said it was surprising to see fans now showing up to watch their team.

Rosehill posted on X: “My buddy was at the Oilers game last night. He said the lower bowl was only 3/4 full. In that city, new building with no idea how long you have left to watch McDavid? Crazy to see. People must be feeling the pinch in their pocketbooks these days.”

The Oilers are 7-1-1 and Connor McDavid has 26 points in nine games, but for a couple of home games in a row, the building hasn’t been full. Whether it’s the cost of games, pushback against some of the Oilers’ recent decisions, or other factors, it’s interesting to see a building not sold out, especially when the best player in the world is doing historic things.

Are Missing Fans Really Thinking About McDavid?

Following Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime win over the Minnesota Wild, Rosehill suggested fans may be taking for granted how long they’ll get to watch McDavid in an Oilers sweater. Rosehill’s comments will be taken by many as a pro-Leafs opinion, with some thinking he’s subtly hinting that McDavid will eventually wind up in Toronto. He didn’t say that, but Toronto media loves to paint the picture of McDavid eventually playing for his favorite team as a child.

McDavid is under contract through 2028 after signing a two-year, $25 million extension last October. He took no raise on the short-term deal as he chases his first Stanley Cup. That leaves two seasons, this one and next, before he can reach free agency. He’d be 31 when the contract expires. People outside the Edmonton market love to troll Oilers fans over a potential McDavid exit. Low attendance only gives them another reason.

McDavid Won’t Leave Over Attendance Issues

There is no indication McDavid wants to leave. He certainly won’t leave because a few hundred fans have decided not to come to the games or because they’re too expensive. Attendance issues aren’t limited to Edmonton, either. NHL teams have been feeling a pinch, with costs rising, tourism down, and network deals that haven’t exactly been fan-friendly.

Sure, Edmonton’s window with a player of his caliber is not unlimited. The same could be said of any star player in any market. But if Rosehill was hinting that fans should be going to games because it might be their last chance to see McDavid in an Oilers jersey, that’s a bit of a stretch.

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