NHL analyst Bryan Hayes believes Connor McDavid has signaled clear expectations to the Edmonton Oilers amidst a quiet free agency and coaching changes during the offseason. With McDavid entering the final year of his contract and set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, this development heightens the spotlight on the Oilers’ roster decisions and contract negotiations.
Recent Moves by the Oilers and Their Potential Impact
The Edmonton Oilers have made only a few minor roster adjustments recently, including trading Sam O’Reilly to Tampa Bay in exchange for winger Isaac Howard and sending Viktor Arvidsson to the Boston Bruins for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. Alongside these trades, the franchise appointed Paul McFarland as an assistant coach, Peter Aubry as the new goalie coach, and Connor Allen in a skills development role. Despite these changes, questions remain about whether these steps are sufficient to secure McDavid’s long-term commitment.
Analyst Bryan Hayes Questions If Changes Are Enough to Satisfy McDavid
Hayes raised doubts on TSN’s “FanDuel Overdrive” about the Oilers’ recent offseason moves being enough to convince McDavid. He asked,
“Is it possible that he’s gonna hold their (Oilers) feet to the fire?”
indicating that the star player might be pressuring management for more substantial upgrades to the roster.
Hayes further clarified the current situation by noting,
“I’m not saying it’s falling off a cliff. It’s not like Draisaitl’s demanded a trade and you’re like, okay, now we’re in one or anything like that. That hasn’t happened. They have not made like huge changes that would lead me to believe they’re like a better team today than they were a month ago.”
He suggested that McDavid may be demanding more significant activity from the Oilers before agreeing to a new contract, notably in the goalie position. Hayes said,
“I (McDavid) don’t care that you changed the goalie coach, you got to, you better go find a new goalie before, out of principle, I’m not signing this until you do something tangibly different with this roster.”
Prospects for McDavid’s Contract Extension and Long-Term Future
Despite the heightened pressure, Hayes expressed optimism about McDavid’s loyalty to the Oilers. He predicted that McDavid is likely to sign an extension with Edmonton but added that it does not guarantee he will retire with the team. Hayes commented,
“If he signs an extension that solidifies he is an Oiler for life. Doesn’t mean he’ll retire there necessarily.”
Hayes emphasized that the legacy McDavid builds with the Oilers by playing the majority of his career there will define his identity as a player. This close association between McDavid and the Oilers remains a significant aspect of his NHL journey.
Uncertain Offseason Ahead for the Oilers
The Oilers’ management faces important decisions as the offseason progresses, with a need to balance modest roster moves and larger strategic changes. How they respond to McDavid’s implied demands will likely have a considerable impact on their chances of retaining him and competing at a high level in upcoming seasons. The pressure is mounting for the organization to deliver tangible improvements before contract talks reach a critical stage.