The prospect of Connor McDavid signing an eight-year extension with the Edmonton Oilers is generating considerable buzz, but naturally, some concerns linger. While the Oilers faithful are eager to secure their captain's services for the long term, it's crucial to examine potential downsides of such a lengthy commitment.

One primary concern revolves around McDavid's performance as he ages. An eight-year deal would extend into his early to mid-30s, a period when even the most exceptional athletes may experience some decline. While McDavid has shown no signs of slowing down, and some argue his skill and vision will keep him elite even with a slight dip in speed, there's always a risk that he won't be the same dominant force in the later years of the contract. Paying superstar money for a player who is no longer performing at a superstar level could hinder the Oilers' ability to build a competitive team.

Another potential pitfall lies in the financial implications. McDavid's next contract is projected to be in the $16-17.5 million range annually. While McDavid is worth every penny when he's at his peak, such a massive cap hit could limit the Oilers' flexibility in building a supporting cast. The team might struggle to afford other key players, potentially weakening the overall roster. As some of their players' deals are expiring, if the Oilers can't figure out a way to re-sign or replace these players, the team will likely regress in the next couple of seasons.

Uncertainty in the crease could also impact McDavid's decision to re-sign with the Edmonton Oilers. Goaltending may not seem to have a direct impact on Connor McDavid's decision to re-sign with the Edmonton Oilers, but considering how much goaltending held the team back this postseason, there's room to believe key roster decisions, like goaltending, could sow doubt in Connor McDavid's mind.

The Oilers' ability to address key positional issues, such as goaltending, along with adding legit top-six scorers to play alongside McDavid, could determine whether McDavid will be keen on re-signing.

Despite these potential drawbacks, there are compelling reasons to believe that an eight-year extension for McDavid is still a wise move. McDavid is not just a scorer; he elevates the play of those around him. Leon Draisaitl's rise to superstardom is a testament to McDavid's influence.

Ultimately, the decision to offer McDavid an eight-year extension is a calculated risk. The potential rewards are immense, but the Oilers must also be mindful of the possible downsides. By carefully managing their cap space and continuing to build a strong supporting cast, they can mitigate the risks and maximize their chances of winning a Stanley Cup with McDavid leading the way.