Insider reveals four teams that were preparing to go all in on Connor McDavid

Jackson Weber

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Insider reveals four teams that were preparing to go all in on Connor McDavid image

Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

The hockey world was preparing for a season full of speculation and rumors about Connor McDavid's future with the Edmonton Oilers.

We were oh so close to reaching that point, but Monday morning's news of the extension to keep the best player on the planet in Edmonton for the time being put an end to all the fun and games.

McDavid certainly didn't rush his decision, and that's what led to many organizations and opposing fan bases dreaming about the possibility that he could actually become available. 

While all 32 teams would have done anything to acquire McDavid, TSN hockey insider Pierre LeBrun revealed that four big-market contenders stood above the rest as potential suitors. That included the LA Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and Dallas Stars. 

"Yeah, in the meantime, news of that extension, as you might surmise, was a tough pill to swallow for some teams who were paying close attention to where that was headed. Let's start with the LA Kings: Anze Kopitar has announced this is his final year after a remarkable career. That was sort of perfect timing for the LA Kings next summer to go big game hunting to try and replace a big hole in their lineup; what better than the best player in the world? Ken Holland has a relationship with Connor McDavid; LA was definitely going to be all in on him, but that's now a moot point," LeBrun said.

"Toronto Maple Leafs, for sure in my mind, were going to try and bring Connor McDavid home if they could, if he was available next summer. New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, several teams were keeping a close eye on what was happening with 97," LeBrun added.

The 28-year-old ultimately came to terms on a two-year, $25 million extension with the Oilers on Monday, which will continue paying him $12.5 million in average annual salary beyond 2025-26. 

Don't forget about these teams

While Connor McDavid wound up extending with the Edmonton Oilers, fans should keep the Kings, Maple Leafs, Rangers, and Stars, among others, in mind for a few years down the road.

As much as some don't want to admit, the short-term nature of McDavid's contract has the Oilers on the clock to win in the next two years, because if they don't, we'll find ourselves right back where we were this summer.

If McDavid still hasn't won a Stanley Cup at 30 years old and 12 years into his career, then leaving Edmonton at the end of said extension would almost feel like a formality. 

And if that turns out to be the case, expect these same four teams to be in the middle of any potential sweepstakes to land the world's best player. 

Jackson Weber

Jackson Weber is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a graduate of the University of Guelph with a degree in Business and Sport Management. He has experience covering all four major sports leagues (NHL, NFL, MLB, NBA) with a primary focus on the NHL.