EDMONTON – It’s no secret how important Connor McDavid is to the Edmonton Oilers.

The captain is the driving force for the team in addition to their best player. Although he offensively took a backseat to Leon Draisaitl last season, he’s still the straw that stirs the Oilers drink.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. 

Insider Elliotte Friedman published the latest 32 Thoughts Podcast on Saturday, August 23rd. In that episode, he made a prediction on the timing of McDavid’s next contract extension.

Trending Oilers Stories

Oilers Must Immediately Trade For Prospect With Big Potential EDMONTON – Winning teams have grit and talent.

Oilers Have A New Goalie Trade Target

Oilers' Beryozkin On Why He's Staying In The KHL

Former Oilers Big-Ticket UFA Signs PTO With Blues

Oilers’ Stuart Skinner Had New Approach To Summer

Oilers Fans Should Love New McDavid Update

RUMOR: Oilers Targeting Another Speedy Forward Prospect? - Community Post The Edmonton Oilers are rumored to be having discussions with the Boston Bruins. But a new rumor explains that they haven't been discussing Michael DiPietro (or any of their other goalies) but a forward prospect.

“Team Canada meets next week in Calgary,” Friedman said on the episode that was recorded Friday, August 22nd. “I would expect after Connor McDavid is done there and he goes back to Edmonton, they will work on getting this done.”

Considering the timeline for the preseason and regular season, what Friedman suggests makes sense. McDavid is not one to let things linger, or give the media a reason to further speculate.

McDavid is a team-first player, and strongly dislikes talking about himself publicly. This will motivate him to get a deal done at a time that invites the least amount of speculation and discussion.

Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.