Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman understands the clock will soon start ticking on superstar Connor McDavid.
The Oilers can sign McDavid to an extension beginning July 1 with one year remaining on his current deal and unrestricted free agency looming next summer.
Bowman said McDavid is the team's No. 1 priority, however, he will also be mindful of the timing for the three-time Hart Trophy winner.
"Certainly we're eager to meet with him whenever he wants, but also understanding that he just went through a very tough ending to the season," Bowman said during his media availability Friday. "Timing-wise, Connor’s gonna drive that process, but there's no question, he's a pivotal player on our team, and not just what he does on the ice, but his leadership.
"I've had a chance to work with him now this year, and I've been just so impressed with how things you guys probably don't see, but what kind of a teammate he is and and he's incredibly important to our group, and you know, whenever he's ready, we're going to dive into that."
The Oilers have reached the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back seasons but have come up short both times to the Florida Panthers.
McDavid tied with teammate Leon Draisaitl for the league lead in playoff scoring with 33 points (seven goals, 26 assists) in 22 games. The 28-year-old also recorded 100 points (26 goals, 74 assists) during the regular season, the eighth time he's eclipsed the century mark in his 10-year career.
Bowman knows it's not the individual success that drives McDavid but the ultimate prize that has eluded him so far.
"There's no question Connor is all about winning. I mean, from the first time I met him and talked to him, he talked about he wants to win," Bowman said. "He just wants to win the Cup. That's all he cares about. He's not driven by statistics or points or records or money, and I think that's what you love about him."
Bowman took over as GM of the Oilers almost one year ago after capturing the Stanley Cup three times during his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks.
The 51-year-old doesn't believe he needs to sell McDavid on the Oilers' vision as they all have the same goal in mind.
"That's why we do this," Bowman said. "Yes, it's, I guess, my job to connect with Connor that way and demonstrate that that's what we're all trying to do. We all have the same objective, and I know how passionate he is about winning. ...
"He's not just a fantastic hockey player, but he's a great person, a great leader, and he's incredibly motivated to do whatever it takes."
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