'We want to win here': McDavid says contract extension shows commitment to Oilers

For Connor McDavid, signing a two-year, $25-million US extension with the Edmonton Oilers was an expression of his commitment to winning and bringing the Stanley Cup back to the city he and his wife have come to love.

"Our heart's here, we want to win here, that's the bottom line — and I think this deal expresses that," McDavid told reporters Tuesday morning, a day after signing the extension that keeps his salary level with his expiring contract.

"Obviously, I said I was committed to winning here and I meant that," said the 28-year-old, three-time winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player.

"Two years makes a lot of sense, gives us a chance to continue to chase down what we've been chasing down here with the core guys who have been here. A little bit of money to work with, too. I think the deal makes sense for both sides."

Edmonton Oilers re-sign Connor McDavid on contract extension

McDavid said he wasn't looking for a long-term deal. The two-year extension, well below market value for the game's consensus best player, also gives McDavid flexibility to test free agency in three years.

"It gives us a chance to extend our window here. Lenny's not going to go hungry with that money," he said, referring to his dog. "It's about winning, that's what I've always preached."

Head coach Kris Knoblauch said McDavid's decision to sign at that salary was another example of his leadership, dating back to his junior days in Erie, Ont., where Knoblauch first coached him in the OHL.

"He's been a tremendous leader throughout his time here and even his time in Erie," said Knoblauch. "I was impressed when I joined the team — he was 15 years old but he had that leadership quality. The players had so much respect