[browna]

I don't doubt that McDavid has an exit plan long in place. Recall there's a few times over his time there when the Oilers scrambled to address his concerns mid season and lost with him and his agent and business manager. It's been on his mind since the second contract.

The result of that plan, among other things, a concerted Snet buildup around Oiler friendly hosts and commentators, controlling the media meant controlling the message around him and pumping him up to be almost transcendent of the sport in Canada. The hiring of people around him, all to keep him happy and building a team no matter how achieved (Kane and other dubious things like retiring Smith against his will) to give the Oilers a chance to win with him while he's there.

It would not surprise me that McDavid has previously agreed to stay with the Oilers, or, at least content, because of the marketing push around him and having people close to him part of the organization.
...and it may have well been a handshake agreement that he won't sign another contract with the Oilers, and all parties know that, off the record.
This season and last season was their shot with him. Driasital took the money that most teams wouldn't offer, knowing likely that he won't be with McDavid for most of that contract.
McDavid will get his wish and play for the the Leafs and become the icon he never could achieve while in Edmonton.