Days after the Edmonton Oilers` second consecutive Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers, team captain Connor McDavid faced questions about his future. With his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, his potential unrestricted free agency was a major topic.
Local media sought reassurance about McDavid`s commitment to the Oilers and Edmonton, but he remained reserved. He was asked if reaching the Cup Final twice and losing (in seven games last year, six this year) left him with a feeling of unfinished business alongside his current teammates.
McDavid responded, “`This core group has been together for a significant time, and we`ve consistently worked towards this goal. There`s been extensive effort behind the scenes, discussions, numerous disappointments, and certainly some positive moments too. We are unified in our effort to finally achieve this championship.`”
Then, he uttered a phrase that deeply impacted the city.
He continued, “`Having said that, ultimately, my priority must be what is best for myself and my family. You have to take care of those interests first.`”
This marked the first instance McDavid had publicly expressed any uncertainty regarding his future with the Oilers. He is about to start the last year of an eight-year, $100 million contract signed in July 2017. It was widely expected that he would sign an extension, potentially the largest in NHL history, as soon as he became eligible on July 1. However, it seems McDavid will only commit if he is satisfied with the team`s ongoing efforts to enhance the roster for the upcoming season and future years.
McDavid stated, “`I am not pressured to make a quick decision, so I don`t believe there`s a strict deadline. I understand that many will be watching July 1 to see if a deal is reached. But personally, I`m not in a hurry.`”
According to an NHL source, McDavid is currently not committed to remaining with the Oilers past next season, but nor is he committed to leaving the team that drafted him first overall in 2015.
The source commented, “`He is looking for reasons to stay, rather than reasons to depart. However, all possibilities are being considered by Connor at this time.`”
SHOULD MCDAVID NOT RE-SIGN with the Oilers, it would represent a unique event in NHL free agency history. No player of his caliber – a generational talent with multiple MVP awards and scoring championships – has ever reached unrestricted free agency during his prime years.
This situation might be comparable in North American sports history only to LeBron James` “The Decision” in 2010, though given the chants directed at McDavid after the Panthers` recent victory over Edmonton, it`s unlikely he`ll be joining them in South Florida.
With winning the Stanley Cup as his primary objective, the list of teams McDavid might consider is restricted. Speculation includes a potential return to his home province with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who haven`t won a Cup since 1967; reuniting with former Oilers GM Ken Holland in Los Angeles; becoming a star in New York with the Rangers, benefiting from elite goaltending; or joining successful organizations such as the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
McDavid is contractually obligated to Edmonton for the 2025-26 season. The group of potential future teams could evolve over this period based on their performance.
Following Leon Draisaitl`s signing of an eight-year, $112 million extension last summer, which ties him to Edmonton until 2033, many presumed McDavid`s own extension was a certainty. The logic was, why would Draisaitl commit long-term without some assurance that his close friend and frequent linemate would also remain?
However, sources informed ESPN in January that Draisaitl`s signing did not guarantee McDavid`s, and that McDavid would make his decision independently.
Nevertheless, Draisaitl`s presence is a factor in McDavid`s consideration. The same applies to defenseman Evan Bouchard and forwards Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, along with other key players expected to remain in Edmonton for the foreseeable future. As McDavid noted, this core group has shared numerous playoff experiences, contributing to his feeling of unfinished business with the team.
He remarked, “`We were just two wins shy of the championship. Last year, it came down to two shots. So, the confidence within the team is extremely high. We discussed this extensively during the playoffs, and we firmly believe this group is capable of winning and will win.`”
Despite this confidence, McDavid needs clarity on the team`s strategy for achieving both short-term and long-term success. This understanding is critical to his decision regarding staying in Edmonton.
He is seeking details on how a team with limited salary cap space (just over $10 million), minimal draft picks, and one of the weakest prospect pools (ranked 30th) plans to make the necessary roster improvements to finally win a championship and maintain competitiveness. The prospect pool was further depleted last summer when Dylan Holloway and Phillip Broberg were acquired by the St. Louis Blues through offer sheets.
McDavid acknowledged the situation regarding the thin prospect pool during his press conference, stating, “`It`s not as though we have significant cap flexibility or a large group of promising prospects ready to join the team.`”
McDavid reaffirmed, “`If I am convinced there`s a strong and sustainable opportunity for us to win here repeatedly, then signing an extension is straightforward.`”
GM Stan Bowman didn`t explicitly agree that emphasizing the team`s championship window was more crucial than meeting McDavid`s financial terms during contract talks.
Bowman commented, “`I`m not sure you need to prioritize selling one aspect over another.`”
However, Bowman understands that assuring McDavid of Edmonton`s ongoing dedication to winning is of utmost importance. Upon his hiring last summer to succeed Ken Holland, Bowman met with McDavid, who clearly expressed his singular goal: winning the Stanley Cup.
Bowman recalled, “`That was the essence of our conversation. We discussed nothing else. Winning is his complete focus.`”
He added, “`I see my role as connecting with Connor and showing him that we share the same objective. We are all striving for the same thing. His passion for winning is something I deeply admire. Beyond being a phenomenal player, he is an excellent individual, a strong leader, and remarkably driven to do whatever is necessary.`”
SHOULD MCDAVID ULTIMATELY RE-SIGN with the Oilers, the duration of his contract may depend on his discussions with Bowman. There is increasing speculation that McDavid might not sign a maximum eight-year extension like Draisaitl, but could opt for a shorter term, perhaps three to five years. This would enable him to pursue the “unfinished business” with the current Edmonton core while potentially reaching unrestricted free agency in his early thirties, coinciding with the NHL salary cap`s anticipated continued significant rise.
This possibility is also influenced by Judd Moldaver, Executive Vice President at Wasserman and McDavid`s agent. Moldaver was the first agent in the salary cap era to negotiate significantly shorter-than-maximum contracts for elite players. He has secured extensions shorter than eight years for stars like Auston Matthews (five years in 2019, four years in 2023) and Zach Werenski (six years in 2021).
Matthews held the league`s highest salary cap hit ($13.25 million average annual value) until Draisaitl`s contract ($14 million AAV) takes effect next season.
McDavid`s upcoming contract is almost certain to exceed these figures. According to multiple sources who spoke with ESPN, his next deal, regardless of length, is expected to have an annual average value between $15.5 million and $19 million on a maximum term. Any figure above Draisaitl`s cap hit would establish a new NHL record for the highest average annual value in the salary cap era.
The financial aspect is almost guaranteed to be resolved. This is Connor McDavid, a player with three Hart Trophies (NHL MVP), a Conn Smythe Trophy (Playoff MVP), and five scoring titles. In essence, negotiating his contract theoretically involves a general manager asking his price and agreeing to it.
However, McDavid has consistently stated that winning the Stanley Cup is more important to him than his personal wealth.
He commented, “`Winning is absolutely the top priority. It`s the single most important thing.`”
After reaching the Stanley Cup Final twice, the Oilers organization believes they provide McDavid with the best opportunity to win. They also offer the familiarity of being the only NHL team he has played for.
Connor McDavid and his wife, Lauren Kyle, own a home in Edmonton`s Parkview neighborhood that was featured in Architectural Digest. Lauren Kyle also recently co-opened Bar Trove in Edmonton, which includes a retail home furnishings store, Trove Living, on the level above, with her design company, Kyle & Co. Design, located on the third floor.
Considering his long tenure with the team and his established life in the city, the Oilers remain hopeful but are taking a patient approach with McDavid.
Bowman stated, “`He has earned the right for his timeline to be respected. We are certainly keen to meet with him whenever he is ready, but we also recognize he has just experienced a very difficult conclusion to the season.`”
For comparison, Leon Draisaitl did not sign his extension until September 3rd last year.
Bowman added, “`Connor will dictate the timing of this process, but there is no doubt he is a crucial player for our team, not only for his on-ice performance but also for his leadership. Having worked with him, I`ve been deeply impressed by aspects that aren`t always visible. He is immensely important to our team, and we will address his contract whenever he feels prepared.`”
Towards the end of the news conference, a local reporter asked McDavid for a message directed at the fans who have supported the Oilers throughout his tenure, specifically those concerned about his future in Edmonton.
McDavid replied, “`My message to the fans is to continue to be patient and maintain belief. They have endured significant challenges, just as our team has – experiencing the emotional highs and lows. I see the impact these playoff runs have on my family; it`s difficult for them. It`s hard for the fans; it`s difficult for everyone. But ultimately, when the victory arrives, it will make all of this worthwhile. These current times are challenging, but when that moment of triumph comes, the wait will undoubtedly have been worth it.`”
His response was neither a strong declaration of commitment to stay nor an indication he was preparing to leave for free agency. Instead, his message conveyed that winning a championship would validate all the previous playoff heartbreaks. As the NHL offseason commences, the location where McDavid might ultimately achieve that championship remains currently unknown.
