NHL players back Connor McDavid staying in Edmonton but tease one interesting alternative: “He’s gonna find his way home”

Connor McDavid continues to dominate the NHL during the 2025–26 season with his elite skill set that has defined his career. With 14 goals and 28 assists for 42 points in 29 games, he remains one of the league’s most dynamic offensive threats.

After a slow start this season, and even with a minus-6 rating, McDavid has attracted the spotlight on several nights. His recent hat trick against the Seattle Kraken could be considered the highlight of his performance this season. It shows why he’s still the heartbeat of Edmonton.

However, for the Oilers, the season has been filled with inconsistency. Their 13-11-5 record reflects a team capable of big wins but vulnerable to defensive lapses. Edmonton’s offense remains potent at 3.31 goals per game, powered by a lethal 33.3 percent power play. Still, a 3.45 goals-against average shows how much their defensive issues are holding them back.

Amid Edmonton’s ups and downs, discussions about Connor McDavid's future in Edmonton have emerged, especially with two Stanley Cup finals failures. The Athletic’s annual NHL player poll added an intriguing twist to the conversation. Some players expressed confidence that McDavid wants to stay in Edmonton long-term.

"I think him taking another two years in Edmonton really showed that he wants to win there,” a player said, pointing to McDavid's new two-year contract extension. "I could see him staying around. He's been there so long now. ... I think it all kind of depends on how these next two years go, but I can see him sticking around."

Yet not everyone was convinced the Oilers are his final stop. The poll’s second-most popular prediction pointed toward the Toronto Maple Leafs, who earned 10 percent of the vote. One player who doesn’t play for Toronto said,

"I think he’s going to find his way home. For better or for worse…"

It was a playful speculation about McDavid in blue and white, more tease than certainty.

Connor McDavid had made his intentions clear after signing with Edmonton

For now, Connor McDavid’s two-year, $25 million extension keeps him in Edmonton through 2028. His team-friendly "Discount" was designed to help the Oilers build a true championship roster.

"I obviously said I was committed to winning here and I meant that when I said that, and two years makes a lot of sense," McDavid said in early October. "It gives us a chance to continue chasing down what we’ve been chasing down here with the core guys we have in here, ...

"I think the deal makes sense to both sides. It gives us a chance to extend our window here in Edmonton."

But the short term of the deal also acts as an escape hatch if things go sideways. And with the pressure on management to deliver, Connor McDavid’s future remains one of the NHL’s most fascinating storylines.