As the Edmonton Oilers figure out how to proceed following their second straight Stanley Cup Final loss, the contract of star Connor McDavid has weighed

Hidden under the warm days and 9:49 p.m. sunsets is an unwavering anxiety about Connor McDavid, his next contract, and future NHL seasons without the team’s brilliant captain. Insiders universally agree McDavid is likely to sign, with most of the media speculation surrounding length of contract.

The question with the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid is not if he will re-sign, but for how much. McDavid has just one year remaining on his current $12.5 million contract, and he could, theoretically, hit the open market next summer and listen to the entire league beg for his services.