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Oilers' trade clock is officially ticking with Connor McDavid
TL;DR
The Edmonton Oilers face a critical decision regarding Connor McDavid's future following their season-ending loss. Trade discussions may intensify as McDavid contemplates his options.
Key points
- Oilers lost their season-ending game
- Decision on Connor McDavid's future is crucial
- Trade discussions may intensify
Edmonton OilersConnor McDavid
Oilers' trade clock is officially ticking with Connor McDavid originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It probably won't happen this summer, although you never know.
But the Edmonton Oilers' season-ending loss on Thursday night pushed them closer to one of the biggest decisions they'll ever have to make: Should they trade Connor McDavid?
And for McDavid, the question somewhere in his mind will grow ever louder: Should we request a move out of town?
Those are the kinds of things that feel more urgent immediately following a season-ending loss. The Oilers won the series opener against the Anaheim Ducks, then dropped four of the next five to get sent home in the first round.
After two consecutive seasons of losing in the Stanley Cup Finals, these Oilers didn't even win a playoff series.
"We were an average team all year," McDavid told reporters after the game. "When you're an average team with high expectations, you're going to be disappointed."
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The trade reality isn't so much an immediate thing as it becomes a bit of a ticking time bomb.
Before this season, McDavid signed a contract extension for two years. It meant he wouldn't be a free agent this summer, and instead he still has two years to go.
But that's not a long-term commitment. That's basically removing the across-the-board stress of a contract year while also acknowledging that this thing better get figured out in a hurry.
A first-round loss isn't figuring it out. A first-round loss raises all the questions.
For the Oilers, it wouldn't make sense to just let McDavid walk in two years' time. For McDavid, it doesn't make sense to waste two more prime years if this isn't the best place for him to win.
Maybe the trade rumors are big this summer, or maybe it's next trade deadline or next offseason.
At some point, they're coming. A disappointing end like the one Thursday night only brings them closer.
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Q&A
What are the implications of the Oilers potentially trading Connor McDavid?
Trading Connor McDavid could significantly impact the Oilers' future and reshape the NHL landscape, given his status as one of the league's top players.
Why is Connor McDavid considering a trade from the Oilers?
Connor McDavid may consider a trade due to the Oilers' recent performance and the desire for a more competitive team environment.
When is the best time for the Oilers to trade Connor McDavid?
The best time for the Oilers to trade Connor McDavid would likely be during the offseason, although the exact timing will depend on various factors including team strategy and market conditions.
