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.

Bowman said he is waiting for McDavid and his agent, Judd Moldaver, to initiate negotiations on a new contract. McDavid can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2026.

Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid is arguably the best player in the NHL right now. Not everyone will agree with that statement, but he's at the very minimum at the top of the conversation for that title.