‘A real possibility’: Oilers’ McDavid could enter season without extension signed

All summer long, it’s been hard to imagine a scenario where Connor McDavid doesn’t put pen to paper on a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers.

The early assumption was that he would sign a long-term deal, then word came out that a shorter-term deal was on the table, then McDavid himself said last week he was continuing to weigh all his options, though he has “every intention to win in Edmonton.”

Now, there’s “a real possibility” the Oilers enter their season with McDavid, a unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, with a contract extension of any kind in place, TSN’s Ryan Rishaug said Sunday.

“I believe not signing a deal before the start of the season is a real possibility,” Rishaug posted on X. “More real than perhaps thought by many at the end of the season. That’s why we’re hearing a lot about that option right now.

“That said I also believe that decision has not been made yet. He and his agent Judd Moldaver continue to weigh options and it’s still possible he does get something done.”