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Stan Bowman's Comments Spark Doubt About McDavid's Long-Term Future in Edmonton

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 1:43 PM ET

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman's most recent comments about superstar captain Connor McDavid's future in Edmonton are sparking debate.

The long-term future of Edmonton Oilers superstar captain Connor McDavid isn't secure, as he's set to enter the final year of his contract with no extension in place.

Getting an extension done would seem like the top priority for general manager Stan Bowman, who also has to navigate through several pending free agent players set to hit the market this summer, including defenseman Evan Bouchard and veteran Corey Perry.

When he was asked about his optimism in reaching a contract with McDavid, Bowman didn't exactly fill fans of the Oilers with confidence, saying that there haven't been discussions yet.

Well, I can't characterize it because I don't know yet. I don't mean that in a bad way. We really haven't talked to him at all about his contract. It's really just been talking about our team and how we can improve and hit what he sees (as important) and that kind of stuff. So the conversations haven't even started as far as a contract.

He later touched on Edmonton's goaltending and the possibility of making an acquisition during the summer to bolster the position.

Part of the evaluation is: are the guys that we have the best option? Does it make the most sense to keep this group? And that's certainly a possibility. So I don't know. We're not at the point where we're saying we're definitely bringing in new goalies. It depends on how much space we have.

Goaltender John Gibson had been linked to the Oilers for months, but he was traded this weekend to the Detroit Red Wings from the Anaheim Ducks.

It could very well be a tense next several months for Oilers fans, especially if there is a lack of progress in contract negotiations between Edmonton management and McDavid.

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

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