Chris Johnston: Oilers Feel They've Taken a Step Back - What It Means for McDavid's Future

TSN analyst Chris Johnston believes that the Edmonton Oilers have taken a step back after their 2 straight trips to the SCF, and it could affect Connor McDavid's future in Alberta.

There is still pain being felt among fans of the Edmonton Oilers after their 2nd straight loss in the SCF to the Florida Panthers.

There is also little progress being made on a new extension for captain Connor McDavid, who can become the most high profile UFA arguably in NHL history next summer if he remains unsigned.

Why Edmonton's 2025 outlook has analysts questioning long-term direction

Per a report from TSN analyst Chris Johnston, the Oilers took a step back in the year between Cup Final appearances.

The internal feeling in Edmonton is that they took a step back from 2024 to 2025, that, you know, look - it says a lot of how great a team they are that they were down to the last 2 standing, but they lost ground to the Panthers in that 12 months.

It could be Connor wants to see what the team has this season. How do things start, how does it feel? I just think he would be really concerned, and not just with Edmonton but anywhere he might think about playing at any time, he's not going to box himself in somewhere where he doesn't feel he doesn't have a great chance to win.

Connor McDavid's loyalty tested as Oilers weigh regression vs. reset

If McDavid feels that the Oilers aren't doing everything to put the best possible team around him, the chances of him leaving could continue to rise.