The Edmonton Oilers would move planets to ensure Connor McDavid stays with the franchise for life.

The best player in the world has one year left on his contract and is owed $12.5 million. With the salary cap increasing to potentially as high as $113.5 million by the 2027-28 season, the Oilers should feel comfortable committing a significant chunk of that to McDavid.

He also seems like the type of player that would alert Edmonton sooner rather than later on his plans, and not take the infamous John Tavares/New York Islanders blow-off route.

The more crucial part of McDavid’s next deal is not the value so much as it is the length. Does he stay with the Oilers on a shorter contract to ramp up their Cup pursuit? Or does he feel like this team has reached its peak and seeks a fresh start elsewhere?

Here is what Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic had to say:

“I think there’s a good chance McDavid will sign a shorter deal instead of an eight-year max one. Whether that’s two years or three or five or six, time will tell.”

McDavid has only been in the league for a decade, but already has a Hall of Fame resume. His five Art Ross trophies, three Hart trophies, 1,082 points over 712 games, and game-changing speed have set the tone for his generation.

Losing an all-time player like McDavid would reset an Edmonton franchise that spent much of the last 15 years trying to hit on top draft picks and return to the Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier-led 1980s glory days.

Maybe a three-year deal or so with the Oilers is best for both parties. It would force the front office to go even more all-in with an expiring McDavid timeline. It would also allow McDavid a few more cracks at the Cup up north before possibly signing with a team he feels more confident in to get over the hump.

Until then, Edmonton fans have to nervously await his decision.