I think obviously that's part of life, and there's other stuff to think about too, but I think I've always been pretty good at focusing on what I can control and what I can do out there. This league is tough, and a lot goes on, and I think I've always just kind of stayed in my lane and worried about the task that I'm worried about. I don't think that'll change. My mentality won't change. And certainly just as excited as ever.
While speculation continues to swirl around the superstar's long-term future, McDavid has offered little to fuel the fantasy. Speaking recently during Team Canada's Olympic orientation camp, the Oilers captain struck a measured tone when asked about resigning in Edmonton, echoing the patience he expressed during his postseason press conference after a second straight Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers.
TOS surgery would keep Gray sidelined for a big chunk of the 2026 season and perhaps the entirety of next year, and Gray would be 35 on Opening Day 2027. The idea of hanging up his glove entirely has apparently at least crossed Gray's mind, as Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News writes that Gray "responded mostly with a shrug" when asked by reporters Friday if he was going to keep playing beyond this season.
"Mitch Marner needs some time to think about his future, spending weeks discussing with family after the Maple Leafs' disappointing playoff exit and approaching free agency."
