What’s McDavid Really Waiting For with the Oilers?
Connor McDavid holds all the cards. If he wanted to, he could walk into Jeff Jackson’s office tomorrow, name his number and his term, and the Oilers would sign it without hesitation. But McDavid isn’t after leverage. His real concern is whether Edmonton can truly remain a Stanley Cup contender during what are likely the best remaining years of his career.
The Oilers’ Window Is Clear—But Narrow
It’s fair to say that with McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard, the Oilers are a contender almost by default. Few teams in the league can ice that kind of core talent. Yet, there’s another side of the argument. Florida has just beaten Edmonton twice in the Final, and the second time it wasn’t even close. The difference wasn’t star power—it was depth. The Panthers roll four lines, three pairs, and two reliable goaltenders. Edmonton can’t say the same.
The Oilers’ Salary Cap Crunch and Aging Support
The Oilers’ financial picture only complicates things. Long-term contracts for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Darnell Nurse tie up massive cap space. Each has been a valuable contributor, but each also carries the risk of decline over the next three to four years. With so much of the payroll already committed to McDavid, Draisaitl, and Nurse, there’s little room to add the kind of supporting cast that separates champions from contenders.
What McDavid Is Really Waiting For
McDavid knows Edmonton will be a playoff team. The question is whether it will improve or gradually get worse. There aren’t many blue-chip prospects in the pipeline, but names like Carter Savoie and Sam O’Reilly (or even Xavier Bourgault) could shift the balance if they develop quickly. Just as important, veterans like Nugent-Hopkins, Hyman, Ekholm, and Nurse will need to prove they can stay at or near their peak.
If McDavid sees a roster that can match the NHL’s best, he likely signs a two- or three-year extension, keeping the window open without tying himself down. But if the team trends backward, there’s a real chance he considers moving on. For the first time, McDavid’s future in Edmonton feels uncertain—and the next few seasons will tell the story.
Red Sox’ Aroldis Chapman on 3rd-longest streak of hitless domination since 1901
Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman has been unstoppable on the mound against the Diamondbacks. His dominance is giving the Red Sox a crucial edge as the postseason race heats up. Aroldis Chapman’s hitless streak has now reached 17 straight appearances without allowing a hit. This marks one of the most remarkable pitching runs in recent MLB history.
Chapman’s hitless streak has also stretched to 14⅔ innings, dating back to July 26, and it now ranks as the third-longest since 1901. Only Randy Choate’s 20 straight appearances in 2011 and Tim Byrdak’s 18 consecutive outings in 2012 stand ahead of him.
As a result, Aroldis Chapman’s resurgence has been vital for the Red Sox bullpen. His command and velocity have returned to elite form, and his presence has transformed the dynamic of late-inning situations. Because of this, Boston can now rely on him to shut down opposing lineups when it matters most. Against teams like the Diamondbacks and other playoff contenders, his consistency has given the Red Sox the upper hand in tight games.
Furthermore, this run highlights Chapman’s ability to adapt. Known throughout his career for overpowering hitters, he has now added sharper pitch sequencing and better movement to his arsenal. Consequently, hitters are struggling to pick up his slider after seeing a triple-digit fastball, creating a nearly unhittable combination. With each outing, his confidence grows, and so does the team’s trust in him to deliver in critical spots.
Ultimately, the Red Sox remain locked in a fierce battle for postseason positioning, and Chapman’s dominance has provided a much-needed boost. If he maintains this pace, his historic run could play a pivotal role in Boston’s playoff push. For now, every appearance by Chapman feels like must-watch baseball. The only question left: how long can Aroldis Chapman keep this hitless streak alive and cement his place in MLB history?
And more importantly, can the Red Sox ride his dominance all the way into the postseason?
