The Edmonton Oilers fell short again.
After losing Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers, emotions ran high, and questions started flying. But one topic quickly took center stage: Connor McDavid’s future with the team.
Leon Draisaitl Opens Up on Connor McDavid’s Future
Leon Draisaitl didn’t dodge it.
Speaking to reporters Thursday morning, the Oilers star forward was asked about his longtime teammate and the growing speculation surrounding him.
“I haven’t really talked to Connor about it,” Draisaitl said. “There comes a time when we talk about it, but there’s nothing that I can tell you right now that you want to hear or you need to hear. You know that’s his situation, and he will do what’s best for him and his family.”
Then he added, “Do I want him here forever? Of course. I think everyone does.”
The Oilers’ playoff run ended earlier than fans had hoped again. Last year, they lost in seven games. This year, it ended in six. A 5-1 loss in the final game stung more than most.
Draisaitl had another big year with 52 goals and 54 assists in the regular season, and 33 points in the playoffs. But personal numbers didn’t matter much to him in the end.
“The takeaway is that we didn’t win,” he said. “Nobody cares. We didn’t win. So, good, try again next year.”
He’s aware of the criticism he and McDavid receive when the team comes up short. It’s always about points, stats, expectations.
“Yeah, that’s always hard, especially with Connor and myself, a lot of times we get judged off of our production, our points, or output offensively,” Draisaitl said. “The only thing that him and I want is to win.”
He even said he’d be fine putting up just a dozen points in the playoffs if it meant winning the Cup.
Despite the sting of another Final loss, Draisaitl sounded calm, even determined. His future is set as he just signed an eight-year extension worth $112 million, keeping him in Edmonton until 2033.
That deal sends a message. He’s not bailing. He’s in for the long haul.
McDavid’s Silence Fuels Speculation
While Draisaitl’s staying put, McDavid’s situation is different. He has one year left on his contract, and after two straight Cup Final losses, the pressure’s rising.
McDavid didn’t give anything away after the game. He praised the Panthers, called them “deep” and gave credit where it was due. “They’re a heck of a team. They’re back-to-back Stanley Cup champions for a reason,” he said.
“Nobody quit, nobody threw the towel in.”
Connor McDavid spoke to the media after a second consecutive loss in the Stanley Cup Final pic.twitter.com/lUpBlHLSSt
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 18, 2025
But that was it. No hint of what’s next.
He led the playoffs in scoring alongside Draisaitl, but went quiet in the last few games. That only adds to the questions: does he believe this team can get over the hump?
Draisaitl is locked in. The core is still strong. But everything hinges on McDavid now. If he stays, the Oilers reload. If not, big changes could be coming.
But one thing is clear: Leon Draisaitl still believes in this team. Now he’s waiting to see if his captain does too.
Splitsville for Conor!