Source, Connor McDavid.

Via NHL.com

During an interview we did in Erie in 2015, you said it would be your dream to one day play for the Maple Leafs. You subsequently were drafted by the Oilers and have repeatedly said how much you enjoy playing in Edmonton and how great the city has treated you. But is it still special when you go back and play at Scotiabank Arena? Did you notice the energy in the rink on March 11 when you played in Toronto versus the Maple Leafs for the first time in front of a full building on a Saturday on “Hockey Night in Canada?”

“I could feel that a little bit. It’s fun. It’s fun to play in Toronto. You know, obviously, I’m a little bit biased. I’m a Toronto kid. But I strongly consider Toronto to be kind of the Mecca of hockey. I really do. Just with all the media and the fans and, obviously, the history of the Leafs.”

Having said that, who does Connor McDavid like watching on TV when he’s not practicing or playing with the Oilers?

“I like watching players obviously more than teams. So I like watching Pittsburgh for obvious reasons. And I’m probably going to get in trouble for saying this (chuckles) but I like watching the Leafs just with all the talent they have. Those are probably my top two.”

This is real. He’s coming home.

Connor’s thoughts on the Maple Leafs come from this article from NHL.com and written by Mike Zeisberger NHL.com Staff Writer. Part 3 of his exclusive sit-down interview with the goat was released at 10 am this morning. He has always wanted to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the team he watches when he isn’t playing is the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Book it, he’s signing in 2026.

Here are a few reasons why he would consider it.

Homecoming for a Toronto Native: Born and raised in Richmond Hill, Ontario, just outside of Toronto, McDavid has deep roots in the city. Growing up, he idolized Maple Leaf’s legends like Mats Sundin and dreamed of one day donning the blue and white. With his contract with the Oilers nearing its end, McDavid may feel a strong emotional pull to return to his hometown and play for the team he has always cheered for.

Building a Legacy: The Maple Leaf franchise has a storied history, but they have not won a Stanley Cup since 1967. McDavid could see an opportunity to become a part of the team’s history by helping to end their long championship drought. Toronto is a hockey-crazed city with a passionate fan base, and leading the Maple Leafs to a championship would solidify McDavid’s legacy as one of the all-time greats in both franchise and NHL history.

Off-Ice Opportunities: Toronto is a major media market, and playing for the Maple Leafs would offer McDavid unparalleled exposure and endorsement opportunities. As one of the most marketable players in the NHL, McDavid could further enhance his brand and grow his off-ice portfolio by playing in a hockey-crazed city like Toronto. The combination of on-ice success and off-ice opportunities could be a compelling factor for McDavid to consider signing with the Maple Leafs.

Personal Factors: Beyond hockey-related reasons, personal factors could also come into play. McDavid may have family and friends in the Toronto area, and the opportunity to be closer to loved ones could be a significant factor in his decision-making process. Being able to play in front of friends and family on a regular basis could be a strong motivating factor for McDavid to consider a move to the Maple Leafs.

I hope Oilers Nation losing its mind over this article.