'There's Really No Secrets': Stan Bowman Makes Revealing Comment on Connor McDavid's Potential Oilers Future

Bowman told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun that the organization is prepared to remain patient while McDavid weighs his options.

“You have to approach Connor differently than anyone else because he is different than anyone else,” Bowman said. “He’s the best player in the world and, as a result, has earned the right to handle this the way he feels right to handle it. When he’s ready, he’s ready.”

McDavid is entering the final season of the eight-year, $100 million contract he signed in 2017. He has scored 1,082 points in 712 games and led Edmonton to consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances, though the team has yet to break through for a championship.

The Oilers star acknowledged a few days ago that he is not rushing into an extension and is considering every possibility, from staying to leaving.

“All options are on the table, and that would mean length of term—short term, long term, no term,” McDavid said, emphasizing that money will not be the deciding factor, but rather playing for a team ready for title contention.

The 28-year-old forward has been eligible to sign since July 1 but said “time is on our side” when asked about the timeline for his decision. For Bowman, it all comes down to supporting McDavid’s process and avoiding external distractions.

“It’s just really trying to maintain patience,” Bowman said. “That’s the hard thing for the outside world to do. But for us, that’s fine. He’s always been a man of his word to me. I trust him. He’s going through his own process.”