Prepare for the deluge. Because it's coming.

Starting with Connor McDavid's end-of-season media availability Thursday and continuing up until he decides where his long-term future in the NHL lies, everything the Edmonton Oilers captain says, everything he does, every scoring slump and every mannerism will be parsed and examined in an effort to determine what he's thinking and where he might be heading.

Yeah, it'll be exhausting and sometimes infuriating. But that comes with the territory.

Unless he pulls a 2024 Leon Draisaitl and re-ups relatively quickly and without drama, this thing is going to be a rollercoaster. The Oilers can sign McDavid to an extension as early as July 1, and if it comes to pass with Edmonton, it will simply be a case of McDavid filling in whatever number he wants in salary and term. If McDavid's No. 1 priority truly is to win, there aren't many teams that will give him a better chance to do that than the Oilers.

But there are 31 others who would move heaven and earth in order to have him in their lineup if he were to hit the market.

Watch today's video column for more, and share your thoughts.

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