Connor McDavid responded to months of speculation by signing a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers on Monday.
Notice how we didn't say that he "ended" that speculation: McDavid's contract, which carries an extremely team-friendly $12.5 million average annual value, is only for two years beyond this one, meaning the best hockey player in the world could still become the most coveted free agent in NHL history in summer 2028.
But if you're the Oilers, you're taking the glass half-full approach. Or more to the point, (Stanley) Cup half-full: Connor McDavid has at least three more chances to bring the first championship since 1990 to Edmonton.