Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid (97) speaks to media after losing to the Florida Panthers during Game 6 of the NHL Stanley Cup final in Edmonton, Thursday, June 19, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

EDMONTON — Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is taking Connor McDavid at face value.

McDavid’s unresolved contract situation hangs over the Oilers as training camp opens, but Bowman trusts that his superstar captain wants to hoist the Stanley Cup in Edmonton.

"I just go by what Connor says, which is he wants nothing more than to win in Edmonton,” Bowman told reporters at a news conference Wednesday when asked about his confidence in getting a deal done. “So I take him at his word.”

“He's been consistent in saying that, and I love hearing it when he says that,” he added. “That's his singular focus.”

McDavid, however, hasn’t committed to Oil Country beyond the upcoming season. The generational talent is entering the final year of his eight-year, US$100-million pact and anxiety in Edmonton is growing with each passing day.

He has been eligible to sign an extension since July 1, but has repeatedly said he wants to take his time before deciding his future.

“Whenever you're making a big decision ... it has to feel right,” Bowman said. “And whenever that moment comes, maybe it's going to be two days from now or three days from now or two weeks from now, whenever it is, then he'll be ready.

“It's up to Connor, and I understand that.”

Bowman described his and McDavid’s conversations as an open dialogue, with a mix of discussion about the upcoming season and the team’s direction beyond it.

“He does ask me about, like, where do I envision things,” he said. “We talked about this year, too. We've talked about, what did we do well last year? What do we think we could change or should change? So I would say it's not limited to just one thing, but it does definitely touch on (the) future.

“I wouldn't say it's a sales pitch as much as it's just a dialogue when he has questions.”

The Oilers are coming off a second consecutive loss to Florida in the final.

Forward Zach Hyman insists McDavid’s contract negotiations won’t be a distraction in the room as Edmonton looks to get over the hump this season.

"He's earned the right to wait until he's comfortable. He's getting all the press, obviously, because of who he is, but I'd say the majority of guys are playing into their contract year without an extension, right? I know I did it myself,” Hyman said. “He's shown nothing but a commitment to our group.

“Connor is the ultimate leader, captain, Oiler, like he just wants to win. So there's no doubt in the locker room that that's where his mind's at.”

In other contract news, Bowman says he’s had preliminary discussions with several other Oilers who are entering the final year of their contracts, including defencemen Mattias Ekholm and Jake Walman. The GM doesn’t believe he needs to wait for McDavid’s situation to clear up before making other moves.

“Nothing to report as being near the end, but a lot of encouraging discussions,” he said.

'NOT LOOKING' AT HART

Bowman also says the Oilers won’t pursue former Philadelphia goalie Carter Hart despite the team’s long-rumoured search for an upgrade at the position.

Hart was one of five players acquitted in July of sexual assault charges stemming from an incident in London, Ont., in 2018 when they were members of Canada’s world junior team.

The NHL has since reinstated the players, making them eligible to sign contracts on Oct. 15 and take part in games on Dec. 1.

Bowman says Stuart Skinner will return as the team’s starting goalie.

"Right now we're not looking at those types of situations,” he said of Hart. “I like where Stu's at with the way he trained and his outlook coming into the year, so I think we're going to go forward with that.”

NO TIMETABLE FOR HYMAN

Hyman is no longer wearing a cast and says he’s “progressing well” after last season’s injury, but wouldn’t provide a timeline for his return.

The gritty winger broke his wrist and damaged ligaments in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals against Dallas, missing the Stanley Cup final. He won’t be skating with the team to begin training camp.

"I've had major surgery before with the knee, and then whenever you set a timeline or a date, you often get disappointed if you don't hit that date,” Hyman said. “Right now we are progressing very well.”

Bowman said he’s “not worried” about Hyman, who had 44 points in 73 games last season.

“He's not going to miss much time, if he misses any,” he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2025.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2025