The Oilers used the lead-up merely to retain talent. They gave a max-term contract to forward Trent Frederic, gave top dollar to pending RFA Evan Bouchard, and brought back Kasperi Kapanen and Noah Philp on low-cost deals.

The first question hanging out there is contract length. Reports earlier in the offseason suggested McDavid may not even go for the full eight-year deal but rather a shorter four-year pact to get back to free agency when the salary cap has ballooned again.

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said the team will engage in contract talks with Connor McDavid whenever he's ready.

Edmonton OIlers GM Stan Bowman said they are eager and ready to talk contract extension with Connor McDavid and his camp whenever they’re ready.