Connor McDavid’s future in Edmonton was the big storyline this past offseason. That is, until he signed a two-year extension with the Edmonton Oilers. For weeks, fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs began convincing themselves that McDavid was “coming home,” only to find out that he would go on to have a few more cracks in the Stanley Cup, where he currently plays.
When it was announced that McDavid would not be heading to Toronto after the 2025-2026 season, many Maple Leafs fans put their story aside a bit. The diehards were still convinced there was no way the game’s best player would stay in Edmonton forever after suffering back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses. The Maple Leafs would have to wait a little longer.
It may be time for fans still clinging to that hope to let it go.
Even NHL players don’t see McDavid leaving the Oilers
For more than three months, McDavid kept everyone guessing. Then he signed. Not only did he sign, but he was given a huge two-year cut, signing an extension for the same money he was already making, $12.5 million per season.
It’s no wonder players think he’s likely to stay, probably even beyond the expiration date of the deal he just agreed to.
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A recent player survey from The Athletic shows that even NHL players don’t see Toronto as a likely destination. The Oilers were the overwhelming favorite among players surveyed, earning 56.4% of the votes when asked where McDavid would ultimately end his prime.
Granted, the Maple Leafs came in at number 2, but with only 10% of the vote. The New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks finished third and fourth, respectively.
The Maple Leafs should probably move on from the McDavid dream
Ten percent isn’t nothing, but it’s far from the belief of some Toronto fans who have convinced themselves that McDavid is destined for the center of the hockey universe. Player reactions made it clear that the idea is not universally accepted.
“I could see him sticking around. He’s been there for so long now. … I guess it all depends on how the next two years go, but I can see him sticking around,” said one player interviewed.
Another commented:
“I think that’s kind of a testament to the GM and ownership. I think if they can be competitive and build a good team around him, there’s no reason why he can’t sign for about the same even if the cap goes up, and just try to stay there and win a Cup.”
source – ‘NHL player survey: Where will McDavid play in 3 years? What about Crosby next year?’ – The Athletics Staff – 12/09/2025
The message from the league players was loud and clear: the dream is nice, but the chances of him playing anywhere other than Edmonton are slim. The Oilers would have to screw things up big time for him to consider running away. Players seem to think it doesn’t matter whether he wins or loses. As long as the Oilers are competitive, McDavid will stay.
It might not be worth it when he’s ready
McDavid is still the best player in the world, but the gap is likely closing. Recent debates about how good Nathan MacKinnon has been this season have raised questions about McDavid’s ability to move around the field. And by the time his current contract expires, these questions will take center stage, especially with players like Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini taking over the NHL’s top spot.
The Oilers star has unfinished business in Edmonton, and by the time he’s done, the Maple Leafs will have to make a big decision about how much he’s worth. Spending as much money as it takes to lock him up over three seasons comes with some risk.
Is that the kind of risk the Maple Leafs are willing to take?
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