Connor McDavid and Mike Babcock face a loaded season after E.J. Hradek named 3 possible destinations if Edmonton's window closes.
Hradek identified the Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers as teams he believes could become serious possibilities if McDavid eventually decides to leave Edmonton.
The key part is timing. There is no report that McDavid has requested a trade or is preparing to walk away from the Oilers now.
Hradek's broader point is that winning would drive McDavid's next decision. If Edmonton stops giving him a realistic path to the Stanley Cup, the conversation changes fast.
That puts even more weight on Babcock's first season behind the bench. Edmonton cannot afford another year where the same roster flaws remain unanswered around its franchise centre.
McDavid is coming off a 48-goal, 138-point season in 82 games, so the issue is not whether he can still carry an offense.
Connor McDavid could have three blockbuster options if Oilers' window closes
McDavid has 2 years remaining on his current contract at a $12,500,000 annual cap hit, giving the Oilers time but not unlimited room to waste.
Philadelphia, Detroit and New York all make sense as major-market destinations capable of building an aggressive pitch if McDavid ever becomes available.
But there is an obvious problem with treating any of them as favorites today. Acquiring McDavid would require an enormous package, potentially weakening the very roster trying to convince him it can win.
That is why Edmonton still controls the most important part of this story. If the Oilers start well, play with structure and look like a contender, most of the speculation becomes background noise.
If they stumble, every Hradek comment will carry more weight. McDavid's future would become a daily story instead of a distant hypothetical.
Babcock was hired for this exact pressure. He has a roster built around McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and the organization needs early evidence that the coaching change moved the club forward.
The Flyers, Red Wings and Rangers can be discussed all summer. But the Oilers decide whether those conversations ever become serious.
Edmonton still has Connor McDavid. What happens over the next 2 seasons will determine whether that remains the league's safest assumption.
Source : Here are the three favorite teams to land Connor McDavid if he leaves the Oilers
Will Connor McDavid stay in Edmonton beyond his current contract?
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