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'Growing Concern' About Oilers Could Complicate No. 1 Priority

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers are already staring down the most critical decision in franchise history, and judging by their early moves, they might not be doing enough to build a promising future.

While star forward and team captain Connor McDavid is already eligible to sign a contract extension, The Athletic's Shayna Goldman believes the organization’s current approach could jeopardize its relationship with the league’s best player.

“Bowman’s track record and decision-making don’t inspire much confidence,” Goldman wrote, referring to Oilers general manager Stan Bowman’s late moves.

Goldman cited the Oilers' bloated cap sheet, the lack of financial flexibility, and the franchise's questionable signings as signals of a front office failing to convince McDavid to ink a long-term deal to stay in Edmonton.

NHL offseason concern-o-meter: Erik Karlsson trade market, Connor McDavid contract, more https://t.co/GYZGp8sPQP
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) July 23, 2025

McDavid, a three-time Hart Trophy winner with 721 career regular-season points, isn’t rushing any decision.

“There’s no rush on anything like that,” McDavid said. “If I feel that there’s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem.

“I’m not in a rush to make any decision, so I don’t think there needs to be any timeline. Ultimately, still need to do what’s best for me and my family.”

Goldman acknowledged that the offseason isn’t over yet but warned that Edmonton’s indecisiveness and lack of a clear vision is a “growing concern.”

Edmonton is coming off back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses to the Florida Panthers. While that's already a great accomplishment, McDavid might need to see a bit more from the organization before committing to a long-term future with the Oilers that allows him and the team to get over the hump.

The Oilers currently project a cap hit of more than $95 million with around $225,000 in cap room for further additions.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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