If the Oilers want to keep the best player in hockey, they need to prove he can win in Edmonton long-term. Here's how that could happen.

Oilers Make First Move in Connor McDavid Contract Extension Talks originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Edmonton Oilers are about to enter the most critical 12 months in franchise history since Wayne Gretzky was a member of the organization for the last time back in the 1980s.

It's still a little early. The eyes are too glassy and the legs too unsteady to fully comprehend what's happened, so having a full grasp on the long-term ramifications is a bit much to ask.