Overview

• Connor McDavid enters the final year of his eight-year deal and says he is in no rush to decide on an extension as he weighs family priorities.
• President Jeff Jackson described McDavid as “everything to this organization” and GM Stan Bowman labeled him the team’s No. 1 priority.
• Veteran reporter Gene Principe interpreted McDavid’s recent message as a sign of long-term commitment and urged fans to be patient.
• Coach Kris Knoblauch highlighted rookie Matt Savoie’s penalty-killing prowess as a key step toward strengthening the roster beyond their superstar.
• With extension talks yet to begin, Edmonton is balancing star retention with efforts to build a deeper supporting cast after back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses.