Tonight, a new report from NHL insider Frank Seravalli has indicated that Connor McDavid's contract extension talks could drag out for months if not resolved soon. As the pre-season gets underway, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/stan-bowman-discusses-connor-mcdavid-contract-impact-on-oilers-other-upcoming-free-agents' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>contract talks have continued</a> between Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers front office led by Stan Bowman. Over the past couple of weeks, reports have indicated that the two sides have spoken but a deal is not close to being finalized. The latest reports have suggested that McDavid is hoping to sign a short-term deal similar to the one Auston Matthews signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/br_openice/status/1694457430577389879'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Now, a report from Frank Seravalli has revealed that McDavid's camp could shut down talks if a contract is not signed by opening night of the NHL season. <h3>Connor McDavid Could Shut Down Extension Talks Once The Season Begins Per Insider</h3> There are many examples of players in the past refusing to negotiate in the middle of the season to avoid distractions for themselves and the organization. Now, it seems McDavid could be considering this approach and could be willing to shut down extension talks until June. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/nhlrumourreport/status/1970510466750546362'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> If that happens, the Oilers and Stan Bowman would have less than a month to get everything squared away and get McDavid to put pen to paper. One has to wonder if this would actually create less distractions for the Oilers or if the stress it puts on fans would be detrimental and require more attention from the media throughout the year. This would be a major risk by the Oilers organization to stop all talks and let McDavid essentially walk himself to free agency but if that is what the player wants it might be something the organization has to consider.