Connor McDavid isn’t in a rush to re-sign with Edmonton, and the Oilers are playing the long game. LeBrun says the negotiation will be quick once McDavid is ready, but the key question is what length and structure he wants to commit to. The earliest worry for Oilers fans could come at season start if there’s no extension, yet McDavid’s leverage is clear: he wants to understand the team’s direction before sealing a multi-year deal. Leon Draisaitl’s extension a year ago provides context, but the center of gravity remains McDavid’s timeline and the franchise’s future shape.

Edmonton will stay patient and cordial, building the path to a deal around McDavid’s heart and mind. If or when he signs, expect a compact, five-minute negotiation rather than a protracted auction. The broader rumor mill about All-Star concepts and other contracts underscores how fragile cap planning remains, but this is squarely a McDavid-first situation that could redefine the Oilers’ ceiling for years to come.