Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid set off a storm of fan reactions this week with what seemed like an ordinary Instagram update. The seven-time All-Star shared photos from his recent trip to Europe, which included attending teammate Leon Draisaitl’s wedding in Provence and spending time in St. Tropez with his wife, Lauren Kyle.
Connor McDavid’s Instagram Post Fuels Oilers Fans’ Pleas To Stay in Edmonton
McDavid captioned his post simply: “Euro trip recap. Congrats to the Draisaitls!” The photos highlighted celebrations and scenic backdrops, but the comments section quickly turned into something else. Fans filled it with one central request: stay in Edmonton.
Some suggested he should sign for “eight more years,” while others used the vacation photos to push for long-term commitment. A personal post quickly became a public referendum on McDavid’s future with the Oilers.
Draisaitl’s marriage to Celeste Desjardins on August 2 at Château d’Estoublon had over 150 guests, including Oilers teammates Darnell Nurse, Connor Brown, and former teammate Evander Kane.
McDavid’s role as part of the inner circle only strengthened the view that his bond with Draisaitl remains a central factor in his future decisions.
Contract Questions Loom Over Connor McDavid
The Instagram chatter comes at a sensitive time. McDavid is entering the final season of his eight-year, $100 million deal signed in 2017. Extension talks are reportedly expected to begin soon, and speculation about his next move has only intensified.
According to NHL insider John Shannon, McDavid may consider a shorter deal, possibly three or four years, at a cap hit below the maximum he could command. The reasoning is straightforward: keeping salary space free would allow Edmonton to add depth and stay competitive in its Stanley Cup chase.
Shannon explained that while McDavid is entitled to up to 20 percent of the salary cap, he might willingly accept less to keep the Oilers’ roster flexible.
Earlier rumors hinted McDavid might explore other options, especially after Edmonton’s consecutive Stanley Cup Final losses to the Florida Panthers. Those discussions have cooled recently, with reports suggesting he remains likely to re-sign.
A short-term contract could suggest confidence in the current roster but also caution about making another decade-long commitment. At the same time, it would leave the door open for McDavid to reassess in a few years.
For Oilers fans, however, the debate feels more personal. McDavid has carried the team for 10 seasons, consistently ranking among the NHL’s elite. His decision will not only shape the Oilers’ direction but also reflect how much faith he places in management to surround him with a championship-caliber team.
