»Why did we all assume that Connor is going to stay when Leon signed? I think we all assumed it because we assumed why the hell would Leon stay if he didn't have some level of assurance from Connor that he was going to stay. And I will make some informed speculation that I don't think that's the case. I think the next couple of playoff seasons for the Oilers, whilst Connor McDavid remains under contract, are very, very important. And I don't necessarily believe anymore that Leon signing is a harbinger for Connor signing. I don't think it is as guaranteed cut and dry, paint the mural that Connor's going to stay in Edmonton. I just don't anymore.
You look at a team like Boston, you look at a team like New York, you look at kind of how those lineups are built. You look at kind of how those contracts they have on the books are looking in a couple of seasons. You say to yourself, 'There might be some pretty interesting franchises that'll be ready to make a run at the best player in the world if he doesn't have pen to paper in Edmonton.' Now, I will caveat this by saying that I still believe he's going to stay. He's got roots down there. He's got a house. We've all seen the house in magazines. But I feel like we all kind of exhaled and said, Connor's an Oiler for life when Leon signed, and I don't believe that's the case anymore.» - Greg Wyshynski ESPN