Connor McDavid's Future Under the Microscope as Insider Drops Bold Speculation

The Edmonton Oilers are down 1-0 in their Western Conference Finals series with the Dallas Stars, and while there's still plenty of time for them to bounce back, this season would be considered a major bust if the Oilers didn't hoist the Stanley Cup.

If they don't, it raises plenty of questions about the future of star captain Connor McDavid, who is set for free agency in the summer of 2026, with many speculating that he could indeed leave Edmonton if he can't fulfil his Stanley Cup dreams with the team before that point.

Now, renowned reporter Stan Fischler has addressed the situation, noting that if they don't win the Cup in 2025, speculation will heat up about potentially heading East to join the New York Rangers, who will have plenty of money to spend in that off-season.

Over his career with the Oilers, McDavid has been almost perfect individually, but with the team reaching their first Stanley Cup Finals a year ago and falling short, the expectations for McDavid and star teammate Leon Draisaitl certainly haven't been lived up too at this point.

In his speculation, Fischler notes the comparisons to Wayne Gretzky, but one can't help but notice McDavid isn't a seeker of the spotlight like the Great One was, and this could potentially lead him to choose a life away from a big market and remain in Edmonton.

Ultimately, his future is going to be the centre of speculation until he either re-signs with the Oilers or he officially hits free agency, and if the Oilers can't hoist the Cup in 2025, it may be our biggest indication yet that he could be on the way out.