Arguably the biggest talking point heading into the next NHL season will definitely be around Connor McDavid's contract situation, and if he enters the season without signing, even more doubt will be creeping into fan's minds. The debate has fluttered away from salary concerns, and has now become more of a term situation, but some signs have already pointed to his desires to leave Edmonton next summer.
The main concern for Oilers fans is solely down to McDavid not yet having any solid or progressing negotiations with the Oilers, and seems to be taking his time with the contract, potentially assuming the upcoming season could determine his ultimate decision. However, when a player doesn't sign past September 1, worry is undoubtedly bound to set in. Not signing now could be down to a number of reasons -- does he feel like he has done enough? Does he feel like the team doesn't have enough to make another solid run at the cup? Or does he feel like he needs a change of scenery? It could be any, however there is one clear option for McDavid if he decides to depart Edmonton.
Signing an extension with Edmonton is still possible, but it seems more than likely that a shorter term is in his favour, something like a two- to three-year deal to give himself some time after the extension to consider what's next. However, a short-term, win-now option is something that most contending teams would be willing to offer McDavid, and is 100% a real possibility if he is still unsigned next summer.
Ray Bourque, Brett Hull, and Ed Belfour are all players who took short term deals to head to win-now franchises, and Connor McDavid could well and truly be the next big name to take a similar path. Bourque, who spent 21 seasons with the Boston Bruins before being traded to the Avalanche to pursue his Stanley Cup dreams, Ed Belfour who signed a three-year deal to head to Dallas, and Brett Hull who also left an 11-season long term with the Blues to head down to Dallas, all eventually winning Stanley Cups. Sure, all these legends will be remembered for their times with teams who didn't end up winning cups, and McDavid is the same. As much hate as fans would have if he left, and as much resentment they may have, McDavid will always be remembered as an Oiler, but for him, Cup success only seems possible elsewhere.
Again, it dosent look like a money concern for McDavid, whether it is $15 million, or $20 million, Cup success is the sole priority. Leaving Edmonton wouldnt be out of anger or resentment towards the franchise, but signing a short term deal with a contending franchise is the perfect situation. No major commitments, a short-term deal, with time to win, but also time left over to seek other opportunities, and time for him to get a fresh start and a real chance at winning what he truly deserves. Sure he could get paid and sign 6-8 years in Edmonton, but for a player like Connor McDavid, winning comes first, so don't be surprised if one lucky teams gets a two or three year taste of McDavid next summer.