There is no question that one of the biggest pieces of news over the past few days was some cryptic comments by Connor McDavid. The Edmonton Oilers captain is one of the best players in the entire NHL, and after a second-straight Stanley Cup Final loss, he hinted at the possibility of leaving Edmonton.
At this point, it still seems highly unlikely that McDavid would leave Edmonton, but he has left the door open to the possibility. He is set to be a free agent after this upcoming season, and the longer he goes without signing an extension, the louder the rumblings will get about a possible departure.
Recently, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun put together a short-list of teams (subscription required) that McDavid might consider if he were to leave the Edmonton Oilers. On that list were the Los Angeles Kings, along with teams like the New York Rangers and Dallas Stars.
LA Kings and the rest of the NHL will watch this Connor McDavid situation closely
For the Edmonton Oilers, they find themselves in a tough position and it will be interesting to see how they navigate the next 12 months in regards to McDavid. After two consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Final, they certainly don't want to go into a full rebuild and trade Connor McDavid.
It will be a challenge for them to build out a roster that McDavid feels confident can not only compete but win a Stanley Cup. If they can do that, then McDavid probably signs an extension and these rumors don't really go anywhere.
However, if the Oilers struggle to make any notable improvements and don't do much other than re-sign Evan Bouchard, who is a restricted free agent, then McDavid may not want to commit past this season. In that scenario, do the Oilers consider trading McDavid before he reaches free agency to ensure they get something in return and don't just lose him with nothing to show.
If the Oilers do decide to trade him, it is hard to imagine that the Los Angeles Kings would be the preferred destination. They are division rivals and the last thing the Oilers want is to have to face their former superstar on a regular basis or even in the playoffs.
It certainly has been done, like the trade including Wayne Gretzky, between the two franchises but the Kings would have to overpay and make them an offer they just couldn't refuse.
There is a long way to go in this Connor McDavid saga and right now all the Los Angeles Kings and their fans can do is sit and wait.