Edmonton Oilers CEO gave a contract update on two of the team's biggest stars.
EDMONTON -- When you have talent, you keep it.
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The Edmonton Oilers cannot let elite players walk away for free. Luckily, they have plenty of time to strike a deal with the likes of Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard.
Both stars' deals expire soon: Bouchard's expires at the end of the current season, while McDavid has another year left after this one.
Bouchard makes $3.9 million, McDavid $12.5 million. Both players will (most likely) get hefty raises on their next contracts. Given that, you would think the organization would prioritize getting these deals done sooner rather than later.
Oilers' CEO, Jeff Jackson, joined Bob Stauffer on the daily Oilers Now radio show. In his exclusive interview, he offered up a small update on negotiations.
"We gotta get something done with Bouch at some point," Jackson said. "Obviously, I have a long relationship with Dave Gagner, his agent...we've been talking with Dave."
"There's always an ongoing thing. You don't just go, 'Okay, this is the day we are going to negotiate.'"
Jackson then switched gears and spoke about McDavid.
"All he (McDavid) cares about is winning," Jackson stated. "Like a lot of the guys on this team, but he's the leader of that. There's no need for us to be talking contract with him at this point."
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While there is no timeline on getting McDavid extended beyond his current contract, Jackson has his priorities elsewhere.
"If we have a team that is competing," Jacksaid said. "I'm confident that we'll get something done with Connor. And in due course."
Jackson also helped dispell any rumors that McDavid would drastically change his mind and jump ship.
"Connor loves playing in Edmonton, he loves the fan base."
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