An NHL Hall of Famer recently addressed the ongoing discussion surrounding Edmonton Oilers stars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, rejecting the notion that Draisaitl merely exists in McDavid’s shadow. He emphasized Draisaitl’s exceptional skills and impact, highlighting Draisaitl Oilers debate as a key point in understanding the team’s dynamic.
In his remarks, the Hall of Famer praised Draisaitl’s rapid decision-making and overall well-rounded play. He firmly stated,
“I disagree that he’s in Connor McDavid’s shadow — his decision-making speed is excellent,”
adding significant credibility to a topic that often divides NHL fans and analysts alike.
Edmonton has long centered its roster construction on the duo of McDavid and Draisaitl, both consistently ranked among the highest scorers in the league. While McDavid’s dominance is well recognized, this endorsement underscores that Draisaitl’s contributions remain vital to the Oilers’ ongoing pursuit of success.
The connection between the two stars goes beyond gameplay. Back in 2019, Draisaitl revealed that his favorite player growing up was none other than Pavel Datsyuk, the Hall of Famer whose praise now defends him. This influence is evident in Draisaitl’s playing style and approach.
Following two consecutive losses in the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers still rely heavily on the partnership between McDavid and Draisaitl as the foundation for their chances to finally capture the championship.
Oilers Focus Shifts to Connor McDavid’s Upcoming Contract Extension
Alongside debates about player dynamics, significant attention in Edmonton has turned toward Connor McDavid’s contract status. According to reports from the 2 Mutts Hockey podcast, the Oilers anticipate concluding a new contract agreement with their standout captain shortly after Team Canada’s orientation camp, which takes place from August 26 to 28 in Calgary.
“We are hearing that the contract extension for Connor McDavid will most likely happen after the Team Canada Orientation Camp which is August 26th to the 28th in Calgary. The plan is to announce the contract extension before the Captain Skates begin & Training Camp starts.”
— 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast
The intention is to reveal details of the deal prior to the commencement of Captain Skates and the team’s training camp in early September. Early indications suggest the contract might be shorter in length than the current eight-year deal, possibly spanning two or four years, with an average annual value estimated between $16 million and $17.5 million. This would maintain McDavid’s status as the highest-paid player in the NHL when the new contract takes effect in the 2026–2027 season.
At 28 years old, McDavid is entering the final year of the $100 million agreement signed in 2017. While the deal became eligible for extension on July 1, McDavid appears to be approaching negotiations cautiously, with reports indicating he is unlikely to commit to another long-term contract immediately, preserving flexibility for his future career options.
The Oilers’ management is aware that assembling a competitive roster around McDavid is essential to retain his commitment beyond the next deal. With Leon Draisaitl and defenseman Evan Bouchard already signed to significant contracts, Edmonton could soon be investing over $40 million in just these three key players, underscoring the team’s commitment to maintaining a core capable of contending for the Stanley Cup.