NHL insider John Shannon provided a shocking new update on the Connor McDavid-Oilers contract negotiations: He will sign for a much shorter contract term. Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid is a free agent after this season, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/nhl-insider-makes-two-bold-connor-mcdavid-guarantees-about-future-with-edmonton-oilers' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>and the possibilities of what he'll do are endless</a>. Some believe that there's a possibility of him leaving Edmonton, but most insiders insist that the Oilers will do whatever it takes to keep him. A new deal for Connor McDavid has been long expected to be record-breaking, but NHL insider John Shannon recently told us not so fast. John Shannon believes that McDavid's next contract may not be the massive long-term deal that has been forecasted. Instead, <a href='https://athlonsports.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/nhl-insider-reveals-surprising-connor-mcdavid-update' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>he believes the Oilers captain may opt for a shorter extension</a> to provide himself with greater flexibility later in life. Re Connor McDavid extension: I think it's a...three or four year deal; I think Connor's gonna come in...lower than a lot of people [are expecting], short term. - John Shannon <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/NHLRumourReport/status/1956507886391009511'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Nothing is set in stone yet. What is sure, however, is that Edmonton will offer McDavid any type of contract he desires to retain him as the franchise face. <h3>Chances are very low that McDavid leaves Edmonton After Next Season</h3> Short of speculation about a possible departure, staying in Edmonton is still most likely. The Oilers have built a good supporting cast around him, and they've had continued success over the past few years. They've got the lineup built that gives McDavid an actual shot at competing for the Stanley Cup on a yearly basis. That championship window may also be why a shorter contract makes sense. If the Oilers continue to be competitive, McDavid can sign a long-term deal down the road. But if the team regresses, he would still have the option to reassess his future. In the meantime, the hockey world waits to see whether McDavid signs on the dotted line before camp, or whether the biggest story of the summer will drag into the season.