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Elliotte Friedman Weighs In on What Oilers Must Do to Retain McDavid

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Tom Banks | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 7:22 PM ET

Connor McDavid appears ready to sign an extension in Edmonton, but according to Elliotte Friedman, there's ways they can push him past his reservations.

Connor McDavid made comments on his future in Edmonton early on Wednesday, with many believing the star captain is ready to sign a massive extension with the Oilers as he aims to win a Stanley Cup with the team.

However, there may be a reason he hasn't done that just yet, with the star centre potentially having reservations over several weaknesses on this team, with flaws on their blue line, goaltending and in their prospect group.

Elliotte Friedman weighs in on how to keep McDavid in Edmonton

Now, Sportsnet reporter and NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman has weighed in on how the Oilers can alleviate those doubts from McDavid and push him into signing with the team for the foreseeable future.

'McDavid must be convinced the Oilers will continue to be a serious Stanley Cup contender. Until McDavid signs, there's something imperfect in his eyes, whether effective youth or strong enough goaltending or something else.'

Unsurprisingly, Friedman has pointed out some of the teams biggest flaws, and until those get sorted, there's always a chance, no matter how slim, that McDavid isn't fully committed to the team.

With his pairing alongside Leon Draisaitl and talents such as Evan Bouchard, the organization believes they're good enough to overcome their flaws, but until McDavid signs a deal with the only NHL franchise he's ever played for, there will continue to be major question marks.

Ultimately though, it's expected that McDavid will get a deal done at some point given that the team CEO is his former agent and the fact that he's stated he wants to win in Edmonton, so fans don't have any reason to worry just yet.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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