AdminConnor McDavid challenged the Edmonton Oilers at the end of the season when he expressed to the media that he needed reassurance that the team could repeatedly achieve victories. He implied that, should he witness that, finalizing an extension wouldnāt be an issue. Following those comments, the Oilers have made some strategically smart moves.
Has Stan Bowman taken sufficient action this summer to persuade McDavid that this is the right place for him beyond just a few years?
McDavid Is Observing the Oilers’ Actions
With McDavidās $12.5 million yearly contract expiring after the 2025-26 season, speculation about the superstar’s future is intensifying. Many anticipate that he will re-sign, but the duration remains uncertain. One factor contributing to this uncertainty is the salary cap situation. The other factor is Edmonton’s capacity to remain competitive while McDavid is on the roster.
Bowmanās challenge this summer involved demonstrating to McDavid that the franchise is making progressive moves instead of regressive ones. In the beginning, concerns were justified.
Edmonton experienced significant player turnover, losing Connor Brown, Corey Perry, Evander Kane, Viktor Arvidsson, and John Klingberg. However, in recent days, they have brought on Andrew Mangiapane and Curtis Lazar. On Tuesday, they made what could be their most pivotal move, acquiring Hobey Baker Award winner Isaac Howard in a trade.
Are these transactions offering McDavid sufficient motivation to commit to a long-term contract?
McDavid Has to Appreciate The Initial Signs
Edmonton seems to be making a deliberate effort to convey to McDavid that the future looks bright. Young prospect Matthew Savoie should contribute to a younger and faster team. Mangiapane will bring a gritty edge along with scoring potential. However, Howard could emerge as McDavidās linemate in the upcoming season.
The acquisition of Howardāa player with significant top-six potential at an advantageous priceāis precisely the type of transaction that enhances the Oilers’ chances of remaining competitive. It represents a valuable investment in a player likely to significantly exceed his contract value.
In some respects, this could be seen as the Oilers attempting to rectify their Dylan Holloway oversight. They didnāt provide Holloway with a genuine opportunity to perform beside top talent, only to see him excel offensively in St. Louis. Is the acquisition of Howard a move to address the gap that Holloway might have filled? Perhaps not, but elements of this deal imply that Edmonton is seeking the best possible matches at the ideal price point.
A projected top six featuring Mangiapane, McDavid, Zach Hyman, Howard, Leon Draisaitl, and Savoie has yet to be fully proven. Nonetheless, it displays considerable offensive promise. Perhaps more crucially, it indicates that the offensive ceiling over the next several seasons remains largely untapped.
Is that sufficient? Does McDavid require further assurances? Maybe he is awaiting clarity regarding goaltending. Perhaps he is curious about what else Bowman can accomplish with the limited budget available.
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