New Comments From Connor McDavid Drastically Increase Chance of Homecoming With Leafs

NHL training camps are slated to begin on Wednesday, and to the surprise of almost everyone, Oilers captain Connor McDavid remains without an extension. As he prepares to enter the final year of the eight-year deal he signed in 2017, the former first-overall pick has done his best to avoid causing any panic about his potential departure.

While he has done his best to quiet the noise, some of his comments have caused concern among Oilers fans while Leafs Nation has noticed an odd similarity to comments made by Mitch Marner at the start of last season.

Along with his long-time running mate Leon Draisaitl, McDavid sat down with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas in a special edition of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, where Friedman and Bukauskas once again asked about his contract situation.

In response, McDavid's continued reference of the 2025-26 season raised eyebrows about his commitment to Edmonton beyond this season.

Throughout the summer, there has been conversation about McDavid waiting to see the Oilers management group put the right pieces in place to give him a chance to win -- something that Friedman also asked the 28-year-old about.

McDavid noted that there was nothing he needed to see the Oilers' management do, at least for the upcoming season, explaining that his decision will be based on "a feeling".

As training camp opens, it won't be the last time McDavid is asked about his future, but his interview with Friedman and Bukauskas was very telling, almost indicating that he isn't sold on a long-term future with the Oilers, fueling speculation that he could wind up in a Maple Leafs jersey on July 1st next season.