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NHL Network Analyst Projects 3 Destinations Connor McDavid Would Be 'Amenable To'
With a potential decision coming for Connor McDavid in less than a year, many around the hockey world are wondering where McJesus could resurrect himself if he were to leave the Edmonton Oilers . Yes, he is starting a two-year extension this coming season, but most pundits suggest that if he does not sign another extension next summer, the Oilers will not want to go into the final year of his contract with so much uncertainty about whether he'll stay. So it makes sense to say that the countdown begins on Opening Night in September. NHL Network analyst host EJ Hradek has posited three potential destinations for McDavid, based on what he's heard from a couple of sources. 🚨 NHL Network analyst E.J. Hradek names three possible destinations for Connor McDavid if he ever leaves the Edmonton Oilers : Philadelphia, Detroit, and the New York Rangers. Speaking with the Bleed Oil Blue Podcast, Hradek says winning would be the deciding factor.… pic.twitter.com/rbjNkI9DsD — Bleed Oil Blue (@BleedOilBlue) August 17, 2026 Speaking on the Bleed Oil Blue podcast, Hradek said the following: I had heard through a couple of different sources... that IF he were to leave Edmonton and go somewhere else, that perhaps Philadelphia or Detroit would be locations that he would be amenable to. The Rangers also come up because they are going to have a lot of cap space, and it is New York, after all. The Knicks just won the NBA title, and maybe after seeing something like that where there's an outpouring of love in New York, that could influence somebody to maybe do that. Hradek, however, then goes on to contradict his own reporting, in a sense, admitting that if McDavid were to leave Edmonton, "I think he's going to want to go somewhere where… He has a chance to win the ultimate prize. That's why he would leave." No offense to any of those three teams mentioned, but none of the Flyers, Red Wings or Rangers are close to winning a Stanley Cup—and frankly, minor miracles aside, neither would they be a year from now. Others have tried to suggest that McDavid would want to go to the Toronto Maple Leafs or Montreal Canadiens. Toronto is home for the game's greatest player, so that rumor can't be totally dismissed. And the Habs rumors were given some legs this week when Arpon Basu wrote in The Athletic , " the Canadiens would be well-positioned to make a pitch that would satisfy both the Oilers in terms of adding young players and McDavid in terms of providing him with a chance to win." Again, all of this talk has to be shelved for the time being, until we see whether the Oilers can return to true Cup contender status this season. After that, if they're not at that point, then all bets are off.
Gavin McKenna could score 52 points and still miss out on the Calder Trophy
Despite being projected to score 52 points by The Hockey News, Gavin McKenna may miss out on the Calder Trophy given the historical precedence set by other rookies.
Reign at Current: Gamethread
Reign visit Kansas City at 3:30 PM PT on Ion TV.
Maple Leafs training camp gets a new edge under John Chayka and Mats Sundin
Unlike previous seasons, the Maple Leafs training camp is going to be a fight. With several players fighting for the same spot, it means things won't be easy.
Injury could lead to a solution for the Lightning’s crowded crease
The Tampa Bay Lightning aren’t going to carry three goaltenders on the roster this season. That much we can be assured of a month out from training camp. When Julien BriseBois acquired Dennis Hildeby from the Toronto Maple Leafs, he was pretty certain that the plan was for the young Swede to backup Andrei Vasilevskiy for the 2026-27 season. The fly in the jelly, the bump in the road, the Skittle in the M&M’s is the fact that Jonas Johansson is still on the roster. Speaking with the media ...
Morgan Rielly winger talk exposes how uncertain his Maple Leafs role has become
The Hockey Writers recently floated a situational winger role for Morgan Rielly, an unconventional idea that says more about how much Toronto's blueline has changed.
Leafs Top 50 Prospects – Joe Miller
The Toronto Maple Leafs organization has drafted and developed a number of youngsters currently playing in the NHL (Auston Matthews, The post Leafs Top 50 Prospects – Joe Miller first appeared on Hockey HotStove .
4 PTO Options for Free-Agent James van Riemsdyk
The NHL free-agent market is dwindling down, and what's left for talent may have to settle for professional tryout agreements. Veteran winger James van Riemsdyk falls into this category, as it's not expected a team is going to offer a guaranteed one-year contract. JVR appeared in 72 games last season for the Detroit Red Wings, scoring 15 goals and 31 points. He's a prolific net-front presence on the power play and still has plenty left in the tank to offer, in a more limited role. JVR isn't a bottom-six option, as he doesn't play a physical game, and has never been known for his defensive abilities. He'll have to win a second-line role in training camp, and there's going to be a number of teams interested in his services. When JVR signs his PTO, expect to see the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Dallas Stars in the mix. The Red Wings are not expected to circle back and have Dylan Larkin's trade request to worry about. The Rangers and Leafs are familiar with JVR, and he knows exactly what to expect with both franchises, but at this point it does feel like the Rangers are leading the race. The Leafs have a wealth of left wingers, so while he's been linked recently, it does appear to be a long shot. JVR made a $1 million last season and is likely in store for the league minimum next year. He was ranked the 43rd best free agent on the market this summer, and now with who's left, sits in the top-10 remaining, based off Daily Faceoff's list . Where will JVR sign? Let us know in the comments.
Jonathan Drouin isn't a need for the Maple Leafs, but a PTO could give Toronto a low-risk chance to see what's still there.
Jonathan Drouin isn't a need for the Maple Leafs, but a PTO could give Toronto a low-risk chance to see what's still there.
Colton Sissons reflects on ‘special experience’ of joining Maple Leafs
Colton Sissons reflects on ‘special experience’ of joining Maple Leafs