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Edmonton Oilers fans' hopes crushed with latest Connor McDavid update: Blackhawks fans must buckle up


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Joshua Deeds
September 5, 2025  (8:41)
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Connor McDavid
Photo credit: NHL.com

Chicago Blackhawks and Connor Bedard fans will have to exercise patience as we look to Edmonton and their situation with the captain of the Oilers, Connor McDavid, whose negotiations are moving at a snail's pace.

While negotiations between Captain Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers and General Manager Stan Bowman have begun, there's no lateral movement at this point.
McDavid stated he'd be in no rush, and despite the latest statements from Bowman's side that talks are being "positive and constructive," that doesn't mean a deal will be done soon.
The superstar Oilers player and the team's talks have stalled, as NHL Insider Chris Johnston gave us some insight on the traction the team has lost:
Johnston's full quote from The Chris Johnston Show:

"It could be a long waiting game here, that's the sense I'm getting, this could take a while."

Gettin' nervous yet, Oilers fans?
This is troubling news for Oilers fans, who have seen the team make the trip to the Stanley Cup finals consecutively and fail both times.
A failure of the front office and on the ice in many categories, aside from goal scoring.
Now, McDavid is holding their feet to the fire in order to improve things.
While rumors have been ongoing that the team has prioritized signing him ahead of the 2025-26 season so there are no distractions, it looks like that objective hasn't been met.
McDavid may intend to win in Edmonton; he's taking his time, and it's difficult to tell whether or not Bowman is breaking a sweat:
«He's the best player in the world and, as a result, has earned the right to handle this the way he feels right to handle it The conversations were really more about the team itself. Like, 'How are we going to get over the hump?'»

How similar can the situation be in Chicago?

Chicago Blackhawks Fans Must Dig in For the Same Waiting Game with Connor Bedard

For Blackhawks fans, this could be a lengthy process, as Connor Bedard's contract will be his most important. It'll be his first pro deal outside of his entry-level contract with terms on the deal.
He'll want to focus on the things that count, which are time, money, and bonuses, should the Blackhawks want to offer them.
He's been successful each year he's been in the NHL, despite his first-year setback. Despite that, he'd win a Calder Trophy in 2023-24 and would prove he's not a fluke in his second year in the league, scoring 67 points.
The Blackhawks have begun negotiations with Bedard, but there's no timetable at the moment to get it done.
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Edmonton Oilers fans' hopes crushed with latest Connor McDavid update: Blackhawks fans must buckle up

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