McDavid became eligible for an extension on July 1 and will head into next season on the final year of his eight-year $100-million contract. And even with the threat of unrestricted free agency after next season looming, Bowman has let McDavid drive the bus on any extension talks.

It's nearly August, but the Edmonton Oilers still haven't signed Connor McDavid to a contract extension, but work is well underway.