2026 Kentucky Derby horses, odds, predictions, posts: Expert who called 12 Derby-Oaks Doubles gives picks
2026 Kentucky Derby: Expert Picks and Latest Odds
Connor McDavid addressed rumors about his future with the Edmonton Oilers, emphasizing his desire to win in Edmonton. He dismissed speculation following the team's early playoff exit.
Mentioned in this story
Connor McDavid addressed growing speculation about his future with the Edmonton Oilers, delivering a clear message after the teamâs early NHL playoff exit.
Rumors picked up following McDavidâs blunt assessment of the Oilersâ season, especially since last year he chose to sign a two-year contract extension. However, he dismissed those with his blunt response on Saturday morning.
âI want to win, and I want to win here in Edmonton. Thatâs my focus,â McDavid said about his future.
MORE: Leon Draisaitl shares honest truth on Oilers future with Connor McDavid
McDavidâs statement comes at a time when questions surround the Oilersâ direction and ability to compete for a championship.
The concern stems from Edmontonâs first-round elimination by the Anaheim Ducks. The series ended 4-2, capped by a 5-2 loss in Game 6 on April 30. Their regular season showed average performance, but the team made the playoffs. However, those issues once again haunted them, as they failed to find consistency when it mattered most.
McDavid had earlier called the Oilers âan average team with high expectations,â a remark that primarily led to the speculations. Speaking about that, he stood by those comments and expanded on them.
âYeah, I feel the same way,â McDavid said. âYou know, itâs only a couple of days ago I made those comments, so obviously feel the same as I did a couple of days ago, and I agree with Leon that the organization as a whole has taken a step back, and that starts with me, starts with Leon.
Connor McDavid stated, 'I want to win, and I want to win here in Edmonton,' clarifying his commitment to the team.
Rumors arose after McDavid's candid assessment of the Oilers' season and their early playoff exit, leading to speculation about his future.
Connor McDavid signed a two-year contract extension last year, which adds to the speculation about his long-term future with the team.
2026 Kentucky Derby: Expert Picks and Latest Odds
LSU baseball secures a win over South Carolina with strong pitching and hitting.
Kimi Antonelli claims pole position at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, overcoming challenges.
Discover how to bet on the Kentucky Derby 2026 and claim exclusive promos, including a $1 million prize pool!
The Canadiens and Lightning are set for a thrilling Game 7 on Sunday night.
Nice draws 1-1 with Lens as Abdi rescues a point.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
âWe all can be better, and we all need to be better, yeah.â
McDavidâs individual numbers remain elite. McDavid finished the season with 138 points in 82 games, leading the league in both assists and total points. Yet, the gap between personal success and team results has become harder to ignore.
The two-year, $25 million extension he signed in October 2025 is largely seen as a window for the Oilersâ management. The deal keeps him in Edmonton through the 2027-28 season, creating pressure on the organization to prove it can contend.
McDavid and Draisaitl have now played 10 seasons together and have yet to lift the Stanley Cup. They made it to the Stanley Cup finals twice, but defensive struggles and goaltending have held them back. These areas are at the center of the improvement expected from the management, as the Oilersâ offense remains their engine.
Now, the message from the captain is firm. He remains committed, but improvement is not optional. The Oilers must respond, or the pressure around their future will only grow stronger.