Connor McDavid had some interesting comments in a press conference this week regarding his future with the Edmonton Oilers. It left fans in Edmonton shaking in their cowboy boots, worried that he might depart to a team like the Vegas Golden Knights or the Toronto Maple Leafs.
"This core has been together for a long time and we’ve been building to this moment… With that being said, ultimately I still need to do what’s best for me and my family. But of course there’s unfinished business here."Connor McDavid
That press conference left hockey fans with more questions than answers.
"Where's McDavid going?"
"Will he return to his boyhood team, the Toronto Maple Leafs?"
"He can't be leaving Edmonton, can he? How are we supposed to believe anymore?"
Hey man. That's a "you" problem. Sorry that you live in a proverbial icebox instead of a city with sex appeal.
Anyways, the McDavid comments have fueled speculation about his potential whereabouts in 2026. Yes, that includes the Vegas Golden Knights, where fans are already dreaming about the megastar winning a Stanley Cup in Las Vegas.
Nope pic.twitter.com/vkod4OrzLL
— MJJBayBay (@MJJBayBay) June 17, 2025
Now that's a picture to cause all of Canada to collectively weep.
That's the luxury of having one of the best general managers in the NHL, though. If they don't get Mitch Marner by some formality, you can bet they'll be all in on one of the best players in the NHL. After all, "Sun Belt" cities have developed a reputation as one of the best places for hockey players to go over time.
What would Connor McDavid mean for the Vegas Golden Knights... and the NHL?
Signing Connor McDavid would essentially break the NHL. We're talking about similar levels to when LeBron James "took his talents to South Beach." Jerseys in Edmonton would be burned. Bruce Vilanch (or at least, his lookalike) would stop believing in the team.
More importantly, the closest thing you have to delivering a Stanley Cup to your home country would go up in flames (not from Calgary). How will the other Canadian teams survive if the ultra-mighty McDavid signs with *GASP* the Golden Knights?!
Most of all, it'll cement McCrimmon as the best general manager in the NHL, perhaps of all time. He'd be the Rogie Vachon of his time, nabbing the best player in the league, akin to the Los Angeles Kings grabbing Wayne Gretzky. Man, what will the kids in the Rogers Place conga line think of this?
Hockey fans don't want McDavid in Vegas... except for Golden Knights fans
When a player with 361 goals and 721 assists hits the free agent market, everyone wants in on the action. There might be a hefty $15-$16 million price tag that comes with it. However, any team would be wise to swallow the cost if his services become available.
That's especially true with the Golden Knights, who are known for making the salary cap gymnastics work. How do you think McCrimmon got the San Jose Sharks to retain 17.05% of Tomas Hertl's salary? Or what about getting Mark Stone under $10 million AAV?
It wouldn't be any surprise to see McCrimmon pull off such a move. He's known for coming out of left field with the most creative deal possible. If Mitch Marner falls through the woodwork? Watch for McCrimmon to make a surprise deal in a loaded 2026 free agency class.
If McDavid does come to Las Vegas? Now that would break the NHL.