Quote:
Originally Posted by browna
Again, my theory is him and the Oilers negotiated a few years ago that he was going to play out this contract and leave. No drama, no negotiations and McDavid would tread carefully in answering questions (“I want to win in Edmonton” - of course, until you aren’t in Edmonton anymore). And the team talk about “Hoping to sign” (what else can they say?) to keep up appearances.
He wasn’t happy with his early Oiler years, and, more importantly, wants to play somewhere east in his career and the Oilers had their shot.
That understanding between the sides gave the Oilers full notice to try and win in the subsequent years until he did leave and allowed the Oilers to plan for future (Driasital).
I guess things could change but I doubt it. Could he sign a short term deal? Maybe but wasting another few years of his prime when his intention since before being drafted was to play east, and all the work in the decision to say he’s playing out this contract?
How he departs and how to minimize the distraction in the last season is also likely already been discussed so will see how it plays out. Oilers have a lot of the media in their pockets usually so they can help craft the message.
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Pure fan fiction. He's just like every other player. Signs deals, plays hockey, and his desire to stay where he is or move on is a fluid situation as each contract comes up.