“He’ll end up staying there”: ESPN’s analyst predicts Connor McDavid’s future with the Edmonton Oilers

When discussing the future of Connor McDavid, one of the most electrifying players in the history of the NHL, there is no shortage of speculation. The Edmonton Oilers’ captain has been a generational talent ever since he entered the league in 2015, and as his career continues to soar to new heights, the question surrounding his future remains: will McDavid remain in Edmonton for the long haul, or will he eventually pursue greener pastures in search of a Stanley Cup and perhaps a new environment? As the 2025 season progresses, the possibility of McDavid leaving Edmonton remains a talking point, but ESPN analyst Greg Wyshynski recently made a bold prediction that sent waves through the hockey world: “He’ll end up staying there.”

Wyshynski’s statement may seem surprising to some, given the perennial rumors about McDavid’s desire to win and whether he can achieve that goal in Edmonton. The Oilers have made strides in recent years, but despite having McDavid and other stars like Leon Draisaitl, they’ve failed to secure a Stanley Cup, and questions about their overall team success and roster depth linger. While some analysts suggest McDavid may eventually move on to a contender that is closer to championship contention, Wyshynski’s comments indicate that the superstar forward’s future could be tied to the Oilers for the foreseeable future. In this article, we’ll break down Wyshynski’s prediction, the factors that could influence McDavid’s decision, and how the Oilers’ roster and overall trajectory play a role in his long-term future in Edmonton.

Connor McDavid’s Journey to Stardom

Connor McDavid’s arrival in the NHL was nothing short of a spectacle. After being selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2015 NHL Draft, McDavid immediately showcased his transcendent talent, leaving fans and analysts in awe of his speed, vision, and playmaking ability. He quickly earned a reputation as one of the most gifted and dynamic players to ever play the game.

His rookie season was a solid start, despite being marred by a broken clavicle that forced him to miss significant time. However, McDavid came back stronger and has dominated the NHL ever since. From his first full season onward, he posted remarkable numbers, capturing multiple Art Ross Trophies, which are awarded to the player who leads the league in points. By the age of 26, McDavid had already accumulated more than 800 career points, with a combination of goal-scoring prowess and playmaking that makes him one of the most valuable assets in the NHL.

But despite his immense success, McDavid’s career has been defined by the fact that the Oilers, while much improved, have yet to win the ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup. The team has had various successes, including playoff appearances and memorable runs, but ultimately, they’ve fallen short when it matters most. This has led to widespread speculation about whether McDavid might seek a trade to a team with a more robust championship window. However, McDavid’s unwavering loyalty to Edmonton and his determination to bring a championship to the city have kept many fans hopeful that he will stay and eventually find success with the Oilers.

The Oilers’ Trajectory: Are They Contenders?

When assessing the future of Connor McDavid with the Oilers, one cannot ignore the team’s trajectory. Under head coach Jay Woodcroft, the Oilers have made significant improvements in their overall play, and the presence of McDavid and Draisaitl has helped make them one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the league. But as with any team in search of a championship, there are still question marks, particularly when it comes to the defensive side of the ice.

While the Oilers have one of the most explosive offenses in the league, their defense has often been the subject of criticism. Players like Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci have shown promise, but Edmonton has struggled to find a consistent, high-level defensive core that can complement their dynamic forwards. The team’s goaltending has been another area of concern, with Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner facing inconsistency at times.

Despite these issues, the Oilers have made the playoffs in recent years and have been a constant threat in the postseason. Their most significant achievement came in 2022 when they advanced to the Western Conference Final, a sign that the Oilers have made strides under McDavid’s leadership. However, they ultimately fell short, which raised questions about whether the current roster was enough to make a legitimate Cup run.

The question for McDavid and the Oilers moving forward is whether they can find the right mix of talent to complement their star players and, most importantly, strengthen their defensive and goaltending units. The Oilers’ front office, led by general manager Ken Holland, has been aggressive in making moves to improve the roster, including acquiring veteran players and making adjustments in free agency. However, the pressure is mounting for Edmonton to take the next step and finally bring home a Stanley Cup.

Why McDavid’s Loyalty to Edmonton Matters

Despite all the speculation about his future, one thing that cannot be overlooked is McDavid’s loyalty to the city of Edmonton. Throughout his career, McDavid has consistently expressed a desire to win with the Oilers, and his connection to the franchise and its fans is undeniable. This is not the typical narrative of a superstar looking to move to a bigger market or a team that is more likely to contend for a title. McDavid has always talked about wanting to build something in Edmonton, and this sense of loyalty has resonated with the fanbase.

While the idea of McDavid leaving for another team may seem like a possibility, it’s also clear that the forward has a deep respect for the Oilers’ organization and is committed to working through their struggles. His leadership on and off the ice is a testament to his dedication, and he is determined to leave his mark on the team and the city.

One factor that further emphasizes McDavid’s commitment is his recent contract extension, which saw him sign an eight-year deal with Edmonton in 2017 that will keep him with the team through 2025. Although rumors occasionally surface about potential trade destinations for McDavid, the contract extension serves as a strong indication that the Oilers captain has invested in the long-term future of the organization. McDavid has made it clear that he believes in the team’s potential to win, and he wants to be part of that journey.

Greg Wyshynski’s Prediction: “He’ll End Up Staying There”

So, why does ESPN analyst Greg Wyshynski believe that McDavid will stay in Edmonton? Wyshynski’s perspective is rooted in the idea that McDavid’s legacy is tied to the Oilers, and while winning is of the utmost importance, the superstar has proven time and again that his loyalty to the city and franchise runs deep. In his analysis, Wyshynski points out several factors that suggest McDavid will ultimately stay in Edmonton, even if the team isn’t currently at its peak.

One key factor is the current state of the NHL. The league has shifted toward a model where superstar players are not necessarily leaving teams for bigger markets. While major players in the past, like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, have changed teams in search of titles, McDavid seems to embrace the challenge of building a team capable of winning in a smaller market like Edmonton. His commitment to developing the Oilers into a championship contender fits into the larger trend of superstars staying with their teams, rather than chasing titles with stacked rosters in bigger cities.

Wyshynski also notes that the Oilers have the potential to improve significantly in the coming years. With young talent continuing to develop, the team could eventually find the right balance between offense and defense. The recent additions of key players to the roster, such as Evander Kane, Ryan McLeod, and the development of Skinner as a reliable goaltender, give hope that the Oilers are on the right path.

Moreover, McDavid has always taken a hands-on approach to the team’s success. He’s shown his willingness to embrace leadership, and Wyshynski suggests that the forward is the type of player who will want to be part of the solution, not simply move to another team in search of an easy championship.

The Future of the Oilers: What Needs to Happen for McDavid to Stay

While Wyshynski’s prediction about McDavid staying in Edmonton is optimistic, it doesn’t mean the Oilers can afford to sit back and rest on their laurels. The franchise must continue to build around McDavid and ensure that the roster is strong enough to compete for a Stanley Cup in the near future. If the team continues to struggle with its defense or fail to make significant playoff progress, McDavid could become frustrated with the lack of progress, which could lead him to reconsider his long-term future in Edmonton.

For McDavid to remain in Edmonton beyond his current contract, the Oilers will need to make significant strides in improving their defensive play and goaltending situation. A stronger supporting cast around McDavid and Draisaitl will be necessary to ensure that the team can contend for a Cup in the coming years. If the Oilers can put together a well-rounded team capable of going deep in the playoffs, McDavid’s commitment to staying could very well become a reality.