Oilers GM Bowman still waiting on McDavid, won't pursue Hart

Connor McDavid's unresolved contract situation hangs over the Edmonton Oilers as training camp opens.

The superstar captain is entering the final season of his eight-year, $100-million US deal and has been eligible to sign an extension since July 1. McDavid has repeatedly said he wants to take his time before deciding his future.

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said he and McDavid have had conversations about the upcoming season and the team's direction in the future.

The GM expressed confidence in extending the generational talent, noting McDavid's stated desire to hoist the Stanley Cup in Edmonton. The Oilers are coming off a second consecutive loss to Florida in the final.

Bowman also said the Oilers won't pursue former Philadelphia goalie Carter Hart, a native of Sherwood Park, Alta., despite the team's long-rumoured search for an upgrade at the position.

Hart was one of five players acquitted in July of sexual assault charges stemming from an incident in London, Ont., in 2018, when they were members of Canada's world junior team.

The NHL has since reinstated the players, making them eligible to sign contracts on Oct. 15 and take part in games on Dec. 1.