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Leon Draisaitl Responds to Connor McDavid's Concerning Comments About His Future

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 2:35 PM ET

Oilers' Connor McDavid made some very uneasy comments about his future in Edmonton today, which led Leon Draisaitl to issue a response of his own.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid commented on his contract situation during Thursday's end-of-season media availability. McDavid has one year remaining on his current contract, and he can sign an extension as soon as July 1.

McDavid believes there is no rush to sign an extension

But he indicated that there is no sense of urgency in doing so. For the time being, his plan is to reconnect after the season and take some time to discuss it with his agent and family before moving ahead.

'As you said, only been a couple days since the season ended. Take some time to regroup, talk to my agent a little bit and family and all that and make some decisions whenever that time comes. There's no rush on anything like that.'

McDavid reiterated that he is not in a hurry to sign a contract extension

McDavid also reiterated that there is no timeline to make a choice, stating he's not in a hurry, and that at the end of the day it is all about winning.

'Winning would be at the top of the list, it's the most important thing,' McDavid said when asked what his priorities will be in signing a long-term extension. 'If I feel there's a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem.
'Again, it's only been a couple of days. I'm sure we'll get into it over the course of the next couple of weeks. But I'm not in a rush to make any decision. I don't think there needs to be any timeline. I know people are going to look at that July 1 day and be looking to see if there's anything done. But for me, I'm just not in a rush that way.'

'This core has been together for a long time. We've been building to this moment all along,' McDavid said. 'Work that's gone on behind the scenes, the conversations, the endless disappointments and some good times along the way as well.

'We're all in this together trying to get it over that finish line. But with that being said, I still need to do what's best for me and my family. That's who you have to take care of first. But of course there's unfinished business here.'

He also took the time to send a message to heartbroken Oilers fans as well, after the team lost in six games to the Florida Panthers.

'Keep being patient and keep believing, when that moment comes, it will be worth the wait.'
- Connor McDavid

Meanwhile, his teammate Leon Draisaitl wasn't afraid to say that he wishes McDavid remains with Edmonton for the long term, though he conceded he had no idea what McDavid would eventually decide.

'Do I want him here forever? Yes, of course.'
- Leon Draisaitl

McDavid is eligible to sign an extension as of July 1st, and all eyes will be on Oilers GM Stan Bowman to see how he navigates this over the coming weeks.

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

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