Darren Dreger Adds Fuel to Connor McDavid Trade Speculation With Surprising Take

While Dreger made it clear there is no animosity between McDavid and Edmonton’s management, he revealed that there is growing nervousness among those inside the organization, including owner Daryl Katz.

“There’s no animosity here,” Dreger said. “Is there nervousness building? Sure. I mean, Daryl Katz is probably getting a little antsy.”

Dreger added that despite the Oilers’ willingness to sign McDavid at any time, the superstar remains undecided and keeps delaying any decision on his future.

“I’m still 50-50 that it is going to happen,” Dreger said. “I don’t know (if) that’s positive or negative. Oilers fans may look at it as a negative.

“If it gets done in-season, I still feel like it’s more likely going to be a shorter contract, like a two-year term.”

Dreger's comments come as speculation intensifies about McDavid’s future in Edmonton, as he only has eight months left before his contract ends on July 1. Dreger questioned why a deal has not yet been finalized if the odds are truly in the Oilers’ favor.

“There’s lots of reasons why it should be higher than 50-50,” Dreger said. “But if it’s higher than 50-50, why hasn’t he (signed) already?”

McDavid has openly said he intends to take his time with the decision, emphasizing that “it’s going to be a feeling” when the moment is right.

“We think about it, we talk about it,” McDavid said at the start of training camp. “Gauge where we’re at, what we’re feeling. Nothing's really changed as of now, and just excited to be here at camp and get rolling. It's an exciting time for us and for the rest of the league, and yeah, we're excited."”

Dreger’s remarks, while speculative, underscore the growing sense of uncertainty surrounding the league’s best player and his possible exit from the back-to-back Stanley Cup finalists.