Elliotte Friedman addresses Connor McDavid trade rumors after Edmonton Oilers disappointing playoff exit
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Tyler Ball
May 3, 2026 (7:04 PM)
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Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Tonight, insider Elliotte Friedman has finally addressed rumors of a potential offseason Connor McDavid trade after the Edmonton Oilers’ first round exit.
The Edmonton Oilers were expected to be Stanley Cup Playoff contenders heading into the 2025-26 season.
Instead, their season is over after just one round after an injury riddled and frustration filled season culminating in a loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
Throughout the series, McDavid reportedly battled an ankle injury slowing down his production and exposing the Oilers deficiencies even more than normal.
After the loss, McDavid admitted that the organization had taken a step back and that serious changes were needed which has led to potential trade rumors to surround McDavid.
This evening, insider Elliotte Friedman brought clarity to McDavid’s future in Edmonton.
Elliotte Friedman shoots down Connor McDavid trade rumors after playoff disaster
In a new edition of 32 Thoughts, Friedman spoke about the idea of McDavid requesting a trade or wanting out of Edmonton.
Friedman doesn’t believe that even with the disappointment of the season McDavid will request a trade.
Someone said to me...if Edmonton loses, do you think McDavid asks for a trade; people were asking me that in the third period [of game 6]; no, I don't think that's gonna happen; I do think there's a lot of organizational disappointment.
While this doesn’t guarantee McDavid will return next season it seems he is willing to give the Oilers one more shot at building a contender.
If the Oilers get to the trade deadline of next year without improvement McDavid trade talks could likely begin to heat up again.
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