[SuperMatt18]

I think he might sign, but think he's also in no rush to sign, because he knows it's not going to be an 8 year deal, so no real pressure.

He can sign a 3 year deal now with the Oilers, or a 3 year deal after the season ends with the Oilers, or he can go to UFA.

But really there is no pressure point to sign right away because I don't think he's asking for 8 years either way, and he likely wants to see how the team performs.

He will be 29 at the expiry of this contract - a 3 year deal would make him 32 at the expiry of that deal, and he will sign a 6 or 7 year deal then (based on the now CBA) that would take him to near his retirement at 39.

I do think he's genuine in his statement he wants to win in Edmonton, but I think he's smart enough to realize that even though they made the finals the last two years they were very close to losing to Vancouver in round 2 in 2024 and LA in round 1 in 2025. If that team takes a big step back this year and loses in round 1 I think that changes a lot for him in terms of re-signing.