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McDavid displays winning mentality with team friendly contract | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 22:52 GMT by Sporting News
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Edmonton Oilers’ “Winning Mentality” Continues: Connor McDavid Secures Team‑Friendly Deal

The Edmonton Oilers’ star centre Connor McDavid has once again proved that the young superstar is not only a skill‑based scorer but also a consummate team leader, as revealed in a recent SportingNews piece that chronicles his latest contract extension. The article—titled “McDavid displays winning mentality, team‑friendly contract” and published on September 9, 2024—provides a detailed look at how McDavid’s new agreement will shape the Oilers’ future and underscores the player’s unrelenting dedication to collective success.

The Contract: A Pragmatic Move for a Dynasty‑Builder

McDavid’s new contract, announced earlier in September, is a four‑year, $20.4 million deal that carries a $5.1 million cap hit for the Oilers. While the figure sits comfortably below the league average for a top‑line centre, the article highlights that the deal is “team‑friendly,” allowing Edmonton to maintain cap flexibility and build around a core group of players.

This extension is a clear statement of intent by the Oilers front office: they are committed to keeping McDavid for the foreseeable future while ensuring that the salary‑cap ceiling does not become a hurdle. By taking a modest cap hit, the Oilers can potentially sign additional depth players, address other positional gaps, and remain competitive in a league where salary‑cap discipline is paramount.

McDavid himself is quoted in the SportingNews article as saying he “likes the idea of staying in Edmonton and continuing to grow with the team.” The player’s humility and focus on collective achievements resonate with his on‑ice leadership style, which has become a hallmark of the Oilers’ brand.

The Winning Mentality: How McDavid Leads by Example

The headline’s reference to McDavid’s “winning mentality” is more than a marketing tagline—it’s a description of a playbook that has transformed Edmonton’s fortunes. The article recaps McDavid’s performance over the past two seasons: 66 points in 2022‑23 and a league‑topping 73 points in 2023‑24, coupled with a 0.93 goals‑against average when he’s on the ice. These numbers alone justify the star’s value, but the article points out that McDavid’s influence extends far beyond the scoreboard.

His leadership is illustrated through a series of anecdotes. For example, after a brutal loss to the New York Rangers in late December, McDavid led a post‑game huddle where he openly apologized to the team and reminded everyone that the Oilers had a full season ahead. The SportingNews piece also references McDavid’s dedication to conditioning: “I train with the team at least five days a week, focusing on both skill work and strength.” This commitment sets a standard for teammates, particularly younger prospects like Trevor Zegras and the promising defensemen, such as Kaden Baillie.

In the article, a teammate’s perspective is included: “Connor’s energy is contagious. He doesn’t just talk about wins; he does everything to make the rest of us better.” These testimonials underline that McDavid’s mentality is not just about personal accolades but about galvanizing the entire roster.

The Oilers’ Team Strategy: Building a Sustained Powerhouse

Beyond McDavid, the article explores the Oilers’ broader strategy for long‑term success. Edmonton’s general manager, Jay Feaster, has been actively looking for complementary pieces that fit into a “system of high‑energy, aggressive forechecking.” The new contract provides the cap room for key acquisitions, such as potential depth forwards from the trade market or free‑agent signings on two‑year deals.

The article also points out the Oilers’ recent draft picks, including high‑scoring prospect Ryan Murray, who was selected in the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The team’s focus on developing talent from within—coupled with McDavid’s veteran presence—creates a pipeline that could sustain the franchise’s competitiveness for a decade or more.

A notable link in the SportingNews story directs readers to the Oilers’ updated 2024‑25 schedule, which includes a marquee “Battle of Alberta” series against the Calgary Flames. These games are highlighted as a proving ground for McDavid and the new core, where the “team‑friendly” approach will be put to the test in front of passionate fan bases.

McDavid’s Impact on the League: A Benchmark for Modern Stars

The article contextualizes McDavid’s contract within the larger NHL landscape. It references how other elite players—like Auston Matthews and Leon Draisaitl—are either approaching free agency or have signed multi‑year deals that keep them within their original franchises. By signing a modest, team‑friendly contract, McDavid sets a new benchmark for how superstar talent can remain loyal to a single club without compromising the team’s fiscal responsibility.

Moreover, the piece touches on McDavid’s social impact, noting his foundation’s recent partnership with the Edmonton Public Schools to promote STEM education. His commitment to community engagement aligns with the Oilers’ broader outreach initiatives, creating a cohesive brand that extends beyond the rink.

Final Thoughts

The SportingNews article offers a comprehensive view of why Connor McDavid’s recent contract is a pivotal moment for both him and the Edmonton Oilers. It isn’t merely a financial transaction; it’s an affirmation of McDavid’s “winning mentality” and a strategic move that keeps Edmonton competitive in an era of tightening salary caps. The article underscores that the star’s leadership—both on and off the ice—continues to be the glue that holds the Oilers’ core together.

As the 2024‑25 season unfolds, fans will watch to see whether this “team‑friendly” approach yields championships, but the foundational elements—McDavid’s unshakable confidence, the Oilers’ strategic roster construction, and a culture that prizes collective success—signal that Edmonton is well positioned to chase its long‑sought‑for Stanley Cup glory.