Oilers Make First Move in Connor McDavid Contract Extension Talks originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Edmonton Oilers are about to enter the most critical 12 months in franchise history since Wayne Gretzky was a member of the organization for the last time back in the 1980s.

The best player in the world once again led the Oilers through the Western Conference and into the Stanley Cup Final. But another heart-shattering loss to the Florida Panthers could leave McDavid, who enters the final year of his contract, feeling that this Edmonton team has reached its peak.

A McDavid trade would mean something went badly wrong from an ownership and management point of view in Edmonton.