Connor McDavid rumors explode as Leon Draisaitl speaks on uncertain Edmonton Oilers future
After back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses, questions are rising about Connor McDavid's future with the Edmonton Oilers. Fans are wondering if the team's biggest star will stay or move on.
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Though McDavid hasn't said anything about leaving, the rumors are louder than ever. Now, after the team's second straight defeat to the Florida Panthers, teammate Leon Draisaitl has shared his honest thoughts and his answer might surprise you.
Leon Draisaitl says he has not discussed Connor McDavid's future yet
Leon Draisaitl spoke to the media on Tuesday, June 18, 2025, just one day after the Edmonton Oilers lost the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers in Game 6. The loss happened at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
During a postgame interview, Draisaitl was asked directly if he knew anything about Connor McDavid's plans.
'I'm going to be honest,' Draisaitl said. 'I haven't really talked to Connor about it. There comes a time when we talk about it, but there's nothing I can tell you right now that you want to hear or need to hear.'
Draisaitl made it clear that while he doesn't know what McDavid will do, he respects his teammate's decision.
He added, 'That's his situation, and he will do what's best for him and his family. Do I want him here forever? Yes, of course. I think everybody does.'
Draisaitl himself recently signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Oilers through the 2032–2033 NHL season. But McDavid has only one year left on his current deal and could request a trade if he wants a fresh start elsewhere.
Connor McDavid praises Florida Panthers after back-to-back losses
Connor McDavid also spoke after the final loss on Monday, June 17, 2025.
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The Oilers had once again fallen to the Florida Panthers, who won the Cup for the second year in a row. Last year, Edmonton forced a Game 7. This year, it ended in Game 6.
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'They're a really good team,' McDavid said in the press conference. 'We kept saying we wanted to win a 2–1 game, and we never found a way to do that. They're deep. How many guys had 20-plus points in the postseason? Six? That says everything.'
McDavid also said, 'Nobody quit, nobody gave up, but they're back-to-back champs for a reason.'
Brad Marchand, who joined the Panthers this season, played a big role and was even in talks for the Conn Smythe Trophy.
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