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Former NHL Defenseman Keith Yandle Gives Connor McDavid Advice on How to Handle Negotiations with the Oilers


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Tom Banks
September 10, 2025  (1:20 PM)
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Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.
Photo credit: Sportsnet

Connor McDavid's negotiations in Edmonton have become rather public as of late, and now Keith Yandle has given him some advice on how to handle it.

Recently, Connor McDavid's comments in Edmonton have sparked plenty of speculation about his future with the organization, with many still believing he's set to sign a new deal with the team in the coming weeks.
However, little progress has been made on a deal, with the Oilers captain revealing he believes that he has plenty to prove ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, especially with the Olympics and the Oilers Stanley Cup chase.
I've had a lot of very good years, and I wouldn't categorize last season as one of those.

I'm excited to see how good I can be, motivated to play hockey at the highest level at the Olympics, and to continue to push this group to winning.

Keith Yandle gives McDavid advice on negotiation process

During the latest episode of the Spittin' Chiclets podcast, former long-time NHL defenseman Keith Yandle addressed McDavid's contract situation, giving him so unique advice on how to proceed.
I think he should wait the whole year whether he wants to sign or not. He's given everything he has, they've been on the brink of winning the last two years, every year in the league they're thriving. The Edmonton Oilers are in a good spot because of him.

Anything he does, for me, I think he has the right to do it, whether he wants to go somewhere else, whether he wants to stay or not, I don't think he should be blamed one bit for that.

All he wants to do is win, and if he thinks they can't do it there, he should be able to go somewhere else.
Clearly, Yandle thinks McDavid should wait out the coming year in Edmonton, and if his desire to win is that high, departing the team in free agency could always be an option.
Ultimately, the expectation around the NHL is still that McDavid will sign short-term with the Oilers, but with Yandle not the only one saying this, don't be shocked if McDavid potentially waits out this negotiation for some time to come.
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Former NHL Defenseman Keith Yandle Gives Connor McDavid Advice on How to Handle Negotiations with the Oilers

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