NHL insider Elliotte Friedman had a very unusual take on Connor McDavid's future, saying once he signs, people in Northern Alberta will be driving off the road. <a href='https://www.sportsnet.ca/podcasts/32-thoughts/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>On his latest 32 Thoughts Podcast</a>, Elliotte Friedman went deep into a subject that he rationalized might not be well-received by Edmonton Oilers fans. When asked about the future of Connor McDavid, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/connor-mcdavid-contract-breakthrough-elliotte-friedman-reveals-2-massive-extension-updates' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Friedman elaborated tongue-in-cheek</a> that Northern Albertans would be driving off the road listening to them discuss it. People in Northern Alberta are going to be driving off the road, listening to this conversation. But I'll say this: I think McDavid's going to re-sign in Edmonton, just not for term. - Elliotte Friedman <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1972649203215319340'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> It was posed by a fan if the move by McDavid from Edmonton to play alongside Auston Matthews in Toronto would be the first occurrence in NHL history where the world's two best players shared the same roster. Instead of ruling out the possibility, Friedman looked to previous instances: Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr in Pittsburgh, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin during the Penguins' dynasty, and Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri in Edmonton. History, he pointed out, has produced a plethora of generational pairs. But the actual question, Friedman added, isn't a Maple Leafs dream. It's how many dollars McDavid will actually sign for in Edmonton. <h3>Fans Will Need to Lower Their Expectations as Connor McDavid's Extension Will Be Short-Term</h3> Though he was certain McDavid would re-sign with the Oilers, he intimated that it wouldn't be the Goliath decade-deal so many once speculated. Instead, Friedman provided the potential for a shorter extension, one that provides McDavid with freedom without causing Edmonton to make long-term commitments in order to keep pace. It's a route more stars around the league are weighing, finding balance between stability and mastery over their careers. For the Oilers, that's reassuring and unnerving. The promise might not be for eternity, but as long as McDavid commits, even for shorter periods, their championship aspirations remain. Oilers' faithful will not receive the life contract that they so desire, but Friedman's message was heard loud and clear: McDavid's fate remains tied to Edmonton, but on his terms. Let's hope fans will find a way to stay on the road!