Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky recently appeared on the Pat McAfee Show and shared his thoughts on Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
McDavid, widely regarded as the best player in the modern NHL due to his remarkable consistency and numerous accolades, is still missing the Stanley Cup from his trophy case.
After reaching the Stanley Cup Final in two straight years, the Oilers were eliminated in the first round of the 2026 playoffs by the Anaheim Ducks. Although McDavid is under contract for two more years, the early playoff exit has sparked speculation about his future in Edmonton.
When asked about superstar players potentially moving teams for the good of the sport and themselves, Gretzky emphasized Connor McDavid’s commitment to the Oilers.
“I do not think the players think about that. I honestly think, I look at Connor and I know talking with Connor, he truly loves playing in Edmonton. I do not think where you play now is a difference of selling the game or making the game bigger because the world is a smaller place,” Gretzky said.
Pat McAfee then jokingly suggested that Gretzky advise McDavid to move to teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins or Boston Bruins. “The Great One” responded humorously:
“Yeah. I think that is a conversation you guys have with Connor yourselves. I kind of like my statue in Edmonton. I don’t want to see it burnt down.”
McDavid signed a brief two-year, $25 million contract with the Oilers last year, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2028.
Former NHLer delivers hot take on Connor McDavid’s future with Oilers
Recently, former NHL defenseman and Stanley Cup champion Erik Johnson appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and shared his bold predictions about the future of Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews with the Canadian franchises.
“I’m gonna have one hot take for you right now. I think one of Auston Matthews or McDavid will be on the Minnesota Wild in the next three years. I think they’re going to find a way,” Johnson said.
McDavid led the NHL in scoring with 138 points (48 goals, 90 assists) in 82 games, winning his sixth Art Ross Trophy.
Edited by Abhishek Dilta
