Currently, the 2024-25 NHL season is in the middle of the campaign. Indeed, the league has seen drastic changes in the standings for the past few months, and it has been a blockbuster for the fans, as every team is doing their best to secure that Stanley Cup playoff spot. However, amidst the mid-season, the heated battles haven’t stopped the teams from going through trades, as recently three teams were involved in a deal that shocked the fanbase.

Indeed, the Colorado Avalanche, the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Chicago Blackhawks got into a major trade involving certain star players, like Mikko Rantanen moving from the Aves to the Canes. It was a big surprise for the NHL world, as they watched Colorado trade one of their best forwards to the team. However, with Rantanen’s future with the Canes looking short, there are already rumors that he will be moving to a team like the Edmonton Oilers, causing fans to get concerned about their own captain Connor McDavid’s future with the team.

Why so? Will McDavid really leave the Oilers after all these years? The NHL is quite unpredictable when it comes to trades, and that’s what makes it one of the most interesting leagues out there. Surely, the Oilers have showcased whatever they have to provide to the #97 over the nearly 10 years he has spent with the team. They have been together in their ups and downs, but the Oilers have not won a Stanley Cup since 1990.

Indeed, it has been a long time, and for a player like Connor McDavid, he needs results. He’s the captain for sure, but something for the Oilers hasn’t been connecting. But what about Mikko Rantanen, who has caused so many rumors? The former Aves was a surprise for many in the NHL world when he got traded to the Canes. So what actually happened?

As part of the deal, the Carolina Hurricanes got Taylor Hall, Nils Juntorp, and Mikko Rantanen. The Chicago Blackhawks were given a third-round selection in 2025. Along with Martin Necas and Jack Drury, the Colorado Avalanche also acquired a second-round pick in 2025 and a fourth-round pick in 2026. This was a huge mid-season trade, as it saw names like Rantanen leaving the Aves and going to the Canes. But what was Rantanen’s reaction to this? Was he pleased to leave Colorado?

“I was shocked yesterday. I was surprised. I don’t really want to get into too many details, but it was a surprise for sure,” said the Canes forward. Indeed, Rantanen was having a great time with the Aves, so he never expected such a kind of trade coming in. Surely, no one knows about the behind-the-scenes in the Aves HQ, but this was a shock to a lot. And Rantanen is also unsure about his future with Carolina. Everything is a rumor until the Hurricanes offer the forward a contract extension, but speculations about Rantanen taking McDavid’s spot in the Oilers on Reddit did scare some of the fans out there.

They can’t see an Oilers without Connor McDavid

The #97 has been an integral part of the Edmonton Oilers since he joined during the 2015 draft. Indeed, Connor McDavid was a prodigy, and the way he has improved in the league showcases the prowess inside him. However, his journey with the Oilers has been rocky, and there have been a few times when he might have considered looking forward to a new opportunity. But with the Mikko Rantanen rumors coming in, this fan is in disbelief, stating, “Only if they plan on not keeping McDavid. No way. Hahaha.” Another fan stated, “You have Drai locked up, with Mikko signed, and then what? let Connor walk?”

Similarly, another fan shared a prediction, stating, “I hope nobody is believing this. It’s like Draisaitl to Boston or McDavid to the Rangers. Come on now.” Indeed, the Oilers’ fans don’t want McDavid to walk out of the team. Edmonton has been struggling for a while, but it’s not like they are a team that is considered out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs contention. They have been formidable on the ice rink many times, and McDavid is one of their key elements for the past domination.

With the three-game suspension that he received after the games with the Vancouver Canucks, many rumors have taken place, owing to the mid-season trade, and not even the #97 can escape it. This fan wrote, “Can’t imagine it. Not with us needing to extend McDavid. I guess if he’s clearly not interested you explore moving him and signing Rantanen, but I doubt it’ll happen.” Another fan is just surprised with the rumors, stating, “Unless we are losing McDavid or Bouchard i have no idea how they are even suggesting that would work.” One fan wrote, “0% chance unless the front office knows McDavid is walking (which I doubt)”

The Oilers’ fans are aware of McDavid’s value and loyalty to the team. He has been here since 2015, and there have been many big games where he has proved his mettle, for which he is the captain of the Oilers. However, the #97’s contract will be ending by the 2025-26 season, and since no extensions have been signed yet, the rumors will only grow until any official confirmation from both parties.