Speaking with Bob Stauffer on CHED 880 Edmonton on Tuesday, Bowman gave an update on where things stand in terms of No. 97 staying in Alberta’s capital for the long term.

“(McDavid is) a huge part of everything we do here, and so I don’t have a timeline update, but I do expect to have some conversations with them soon and hopefully get that wrapped up,” Bowman said.

McDavid became eligible for an extension on July 1 and will head into next season on the final year of his eight-year $100-million contract.

And even with the threat of unrestricted free agency after next season looming, Bowman has let McDavid drive the bus on any extension talks.

“I’ve had really good conversations with Judd Moldaver (McDavid’s agent) since the season ended, and I’ve tried to give Connor his space, and I think that it’s important,” Bowman said Tuesday. “You know, a lot of this is respecting the athlete and their timeline.

“So we haven’t had any of those types of detailed discussions yet, but we certainly will, and I think we’re very encouraged by all the conversations I’ve had to date. And when the time comes, the time comes.”

The Oilers have reached the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back seasons but have come up short both times to the Florida Panthers.

McDavid tied with teammate Leon Draisaitl for the league lead in playoff scoring with 33 points (seven goals, 26 assists) in 22 games. The 28-year-old also recorded 100 points (26 goals, 74 assists) during the regular season, the eighth time he’s eclipsed the century mark in his 10-year career.

Asked about his own priorities in signing an extension, McDavid had one thing on his mind.

“Winning would be at the top of the list, it’s the most important thing,” McDavid said on June 19 at the Oilers’ season-ending press conference. “If I feel there’s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem.”