Following the Edmonton Oilers’ second straight loss in the Stanley Cup Finals, NHL analysts have engaged in intense discussions about the possibility of a Connor McDavid trade speculation to the Florida Panthers. The Oilers’ season concluded on Tuesday with a 5-1 defeat in Game 6 of the championship series, while the Panthers claimed their second title in three years.
This achievement places the Panthers alongside the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning as the only teams to win back-to-back Stanley Cups during the salary cap era. The trade talk emerged particularly on TSN Overdrive, where analysts Bryan Hayes, Jeff O’Neill, and Jamie McLennan deliberated on the likelihood and terms of a potential trade involving McDavid.
Panthers’ Potential Trade Offer and the Oilers’ Demands
Hayes raised the question of what the Oilers would expect if Panthers General Manager Bill Zito sought to acquire McDavid. The conversation turned hypothetical but serious, as players who could be included in a trade package were considered. O’Neill mentioned a package involving Florida stars:
“Barkov, Jones, and Bobrovsky. But that’s what—That’s how idiotic this conversation is. I love the way you dream this up, and then you yell at us for it.” —Jeff O’Neill
Hayes acknowledged the challenge, suggesting McDavid’s value could be comparable to superstar Kevin Durant, though Durant’s move was a free-agent signing:
“It’s just—it’s gotta—it’s a two-way street. I mean, Florida is a great team. It’s a hypothetical, but I don’t think that’s too much..McDavid could be the next Durant. Maybe he’s Kevin Durant. Although Durant signed as a free agent.” —Bryan Hayes
McLennan emphasized that any realistic trade would require a combination of top talent across positions, noting the necessity of acquiring a goalie, defenseman, and forward:
“I just think if we’re talking that silly, that’s how silly the trade would look like. It would have to be a goalie, a defenseman, and a forward. And it’d be their three best ones.” —Jamie McLennan
Currently, McDavid has one year left on an eight-year, $100 million contract and is slated to become a free agent after the 2025-26 season. This summer, he is eligible to negotiate an extension with the Oilers, making his future a focal point for fans and executives alike.
Expert Criticism on McDavid’s Stanley Cup Record
NHL insider Josh Yohe weighed in with a critical perspective, underscoring McDavid’s lack of a Stanley Cup victory despite his individual success. He argued that this absence will be a defining aspect of McDavid’s legacy until he secures the championship.
“I feel for McDavid. Remarkable player,” NHL insider Josh Yohe said. “But he’s never won anything (other than 4 Nations). 66 and 99 never were silenced with the Cup on the line. It will live with him until he finally wins it. He’s not Mario or Gretzky. Might want to pipe down comparisons until he wins it all.” —Josh Yohe
McDavid matched the playoff scoring lead with 33 points, combining seven goals and 26 assists. His performance keeps him in elite company, but the ultimate prize has so far eluded him. Observers eagerly await how his next contract extension negotiations will unfold if he remains with Edmonton or moves elsewhere.