"Very manipulative": NHL analyst gives his thoughts on Connor McDavid's latest eye-opening statement about Oilers contract extension drama

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid’s more recent comments regarding his contract extension negotiations have drawn non-too-flattering comments from the media. In particular, McDavid’s comments regarding the lack of urgency in getting a new contract in place have led to heightened scrutiny.

As it stands, McDavid is set to become a UFA at the end of this upcoming season. But it’s the lack of apparent contract negotiations that has net Oilers Nation into a frenzy. Plus, Connor McDavid’s comments at a media availability earlier this week prompted TSN analyst Bryan Hayes to state the following on the August 26 edition of OverDrive:

“I find his phrasing very curious, - ‘I have every intention to win in Edmonton.’ Like, that is very manipulative, right? It's very planned. It's obviously been something he and his team have worked out.”

Hayes’ comments hint at a prevailing online theory that Connor McDavid is playing the Edmonton Oilers into building a championship team out of fear of losing him next summer. Hayes doubled down on his comments, stating the following:

“They knew this question was coming and they know it's going to continue to come and it's not exactly a grand slam like, ‘I have, I'm staying. I'm not going anywhere.’ ‘I have every intention of winning in Edmonton.’”

Check out the full conversation here:

Questions regarding McDavid’s future in Edmonton won’t go away until he re-signs with the club. In the meantime, the media will continue to push further into the issue the longer the uncertainty drags on.

Connor McDavid contract standstill could become distraction for Oilers

The Oilers could face a needless distraction stemming from McDavid's contract situation - Source: Imagn

In an August 27 piece in The Athletic, notable insider Chris Johnston looked into Connor McDavid's comments regarding his contract extension.

In particular, Johnston wrote the following regarding the standstill:

“How that may or may not affect his teammates could ultimately factor into the equation as they try to get over the hump following consecutive trips to the Final.”

Johnston was alluding to a potential distraction stemming from the lack of certainty surrounding McDavid in Edmonton. Johnston cited McDavid’s comments regarding distractions as:

“You know, we don’t need any distractions. Taking my time with it and that’s it.”

However, Johnston’s earlier comments point toward a legitimate concern regarding the possibility of the team suffering as a result of heightened media scrutiny regarding McDavid’s contract situation in Edmonton.

It seems the situation could gain even more media attention the longer it drags out.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan