Even though Connor McDavid can become an unrestricted free agent 10 months from now, it's extremely difficult to believe the greatest player in the sport will reach the open market. But that shouldn't stop the New York Rangers from keeping close tabs on the situation.
That's especially so when the Edmonton Oilers captain speaks publicly about his next contract, as he did Wednesday at Canada's national team press conference .
"All options are on the table, really," McDavid said, when asked if he'd prefer to have his contract settled before the 2025-26 season begins.
"We're going through it. I don't have a preference either way. I want to the group to be as focused and dialed in and ready to roll from Day 1 as much as possible and we don't need any distractions. I'm going to take my time with it and that's it."
If you're the Rangers , you don't want to read too much into that statement. But it certainly leaves the door ajar for the possibility that this could be McDavid's final season with the Oilers.
Of course, McDavid also reiterated that he has "every intention to win in Edmonton."
But does that mean he's going to do everything in his power to win a Stanley Cup with the Oilers this season, but is also open to moving on when his current contract is up?
There's plenty of room for interpretation with everything McDavid says — or doesn't say — on the matter. He does remain very clear on one thing, though.
"Like I said at the end of June, I had every intention just to take my time with it, and I still feel the same way," he said. "Take my time and go through everything."
That and his burning desire to win a championship are clear. Where he believes his best chance to win the Stanley Cup is unclear. As is what the Oilers need to prove to McDavid that pushes him to sign long-term with them.
Related: Real debate about Artemi Panarin future with Rangers is already underway
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The money is going to be there for McDavid, whether it comes from the Oilers or another team. His approach about where he wishes to spend the next seven or eight years of his career after this season is extremely measured.
The Rangers have no choice but to remain equally as measured about any possibility of signing McDavid next summer. They can't control whether or not the 28-year-old superstar re-ups in Edmonton or not. Dissecting his every public comment on that matter doesn't help their cause either.
But if you're Chris Drury and Co., you certainly must pay close attention. Because if McDavid somehow does get to July 1 unsigned, all other blueprints and plans go out the window. Trying to land this generational talent will be all that matters.
And remember, in this League, New York City is a prime destination. That's proven time and again with players wanting to play for the Rangers.
But from a hockey and winning standpoint, would the Rangers measure up in McDavid's eyes? They're sitting on one Stanley Cup championship in 85 years, none since 1994. They have an aging core, which likely won't include star wing Artemi Panarin , a pending free agent himself next summer.
Could they really pay McDavid, Panarin, and goalie Igor Shesterkin $37 million or so combined per season?
OK, now we're getting off track a bit. Speculation gets us nowhere.
Just take McDavid's words, here in late August, for what they are.
"We're going through it slowly."
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