Oilers Make First Move in Connor McDavid Contract Extension Talks originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Edmonton Oilers are about to enter the most critical 12 months in franchise history since Wayne Gretzky was a member of the organization for the last time back in the 1980s.

If the Oilers want to keep the best player in hockey, they need to prove he can win in Edmonton long-term. Here's how that could happen.

The Edmonton Oilers lost the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight season to the Florida Panthers. Two days later, on June 19, Edmonton superstar center Connor McDavid didn't provide a reassuring answer for the Oilers and their fans when asked by a reporter about a contract extension.