Pierre LeBrun Reveals Connor McDavid Could Refuse to Re-Sign With Oilers for One Specific Reason

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun revealed a very concerning update on Connor McDavid's possible extension, and there is one reason that could make him leave.

Talk continues about Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid's future, especially after the team's back-to-back Stanley Cup Final defeats.

No matter how unthinkable it is to imagine McDavid leaving Edmonton, the new NHL is a world where anything can happen.

As one of the all-time greats that the league has ever witnessed, McDavid still has a legacy to build, and many hope he continues to build it in Edmonton.

But his existing deal runs through the 2025-26 season, and if at some point he ever comes to believe the Oilers are not set up to be a sustained contender, free agency could become more than a remote possibility.

Pierre LeBrun believes McDavid could leave if the Oilers aren't competitive

There is a 'small chance,' says Pierre LeBrun of 'The Athletic', that McDavid starts to wonder whether the team can still enjoy a competitive window. If that's the scenario, then a couple of teams have a legitimate shot at signing him.

'Of course, there's always the small chance McDavid doesn't think the Oilers are set up to remain a contender and doesn't extend. I don't think that's the likeliest outcome, but it's not 100 percent off the table,' LeBrun wrote.

'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.'