Although Connor McDavid isn't in any rush to sign an extension, Edmonton Oilers fans shouldn't worry that their seven-time all-star captain is thinking about taking his skills elsewhere.
Speaking at Hockey Canada's Olympic orientation camp on Wednesday, McDavid made it clear that he wants to win a Stanley Cup with the team that selected him first overall in 2015.
"I have every intention to win in Edmonton," McDavid told reporters in Calgary. "That's my only focus. Maybe next to winning a gold medal for Canada. But it's my intention to win there.
"I'm taking my time, going through it with my family, my agent, everybody involved. We're going through it slowly."
McDavid, whose eight-year, $100-million contract expires after the 2025-26 season, has been eligible to sign a contract extension with the Oilers since July 1.
When asked whether he'd prefer to get a deal done before opening night, McDavid was noncommittal.
"I'd say all options are on the table, really," he said.
"I don't have a preference either way. I want the group to be as focused and dialled in and ready to roll from Day 1 as possible. You don't need any distractions. As I said, taking my time with it."
General manager Stan Bowman said last month that he's letting McDavid drive the bus on the extension timeline, but has been encouraged by talks with his representatives so far.
“I’ve had really good conversations with (McDavid's agent) Judd Moldaver since the season ended, and I’ve tried to give Connor his space, and I think that it’s important,” Bowman said at the time. "You know, a lot of this is respecting the athlete and their timeline.
"So, we haven’t had any of those types of detailed discussions yet, but we certainly will, and I think we’re very encouraged by all the conversations I’ve had to date. And when the time comes, the time comes."
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 hit the century mark in his 10-year career.
