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Pierre LeBrun Names 4 Frontrunners If McDavid Leaves the Oilers After Crushing Finals Defeat

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 7:08 PM ET

There are at least 4 frontrunners that could potentially land Connor McDavid if the Oilers aren't able to re-sign their superstar captain in free agency.

After the Edmonton Oilers were defeated by the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, Oilers captain Connor McDavid was truly devastated and was on the verge of tears in the locker room.

He even refused to return to the ice to accept the Conn Smythe Trophy as the postseason MVP.

This time around, McDavid's disappointment was obvious, though he looked more accepting that his club was simply beaten this time.

The major question on everyone's mind as he approaches the final year of his contract is whether he'll agree to re-sign with the Oilers. He sounded rather non-committal when directly asked about his future with the team during their end-of-season presser, leaving Oilers fans worried.

Per a new report from NHL analyst Pierre LeBrun, there are at least 4 teams that could potentially land McDavid if he were to decide to move on, including a surprising destination.

Teams like the Los Angeles Kings, with former Oilers GM Ken Holland, are keeping a close eye. If and when McDavid ever leaves, it's a short list of markets that I believe would be a fit for him: L.A., the New York Rangers, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Dallas Stars, etc. It would not be a free-for-all, with 25 teams getting a chance at it.

Seeing McDavid with the Blackhawks would be wild, while he could also turn the Stars into an even bigger force in the Western Conference than they already are.

Just how would McDavid look in Kings or Rangers colors?

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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