The Edmonton Oilers face a critical summer as they contemplate the future of Connor McDavid, whose contract situation looms large after their second straight loss in the Stanley Cup Final. With only one year left on his deal, McDavid will be eligible to negotiate an extension this summer, making his next contract one of the most significant in NHL history due to his status as the best offensive player of his generation.
While the expectation is for McDavid to remain with the Oilers, uncertainty surrounds whether he will sign another extension or explore free agency in 2026. Here is a look at seven NHL franchises that could realistically pursue Connor McDavid as a potential free agent, shaking up the league’s landscape in the process.
Why Connor McDavid Staying with Edmonton Remains the Most Probable
Edmonton holds a considerable advantage in retaining McDavid, benefiting from a full year to negotiate a new contract before he can officially hit unrestricted free agency. Players of McDavid’s caliber rarely change teams during their prime, and the Oilers have demonstrated they can reach the Stanley Cup Final, an achievement McDavid seeks to convert into a championship.
Currently, Leon Draisaitl earns $14 million per season, and promising defenseman Evan Bouchard is poised for a hefty extension, which means Edmonton could soon have three players with salaries exceeding $12 million annually. Despite this financial burden, rising salary caps will allow the Oilers to accommodate these stars while adjusting other parts of the roster, as finding a player like McDavid is far more difficult than replacing supporting players.
Unless McDavid becomes insistent on leaving, Edmonton looks prepared to keep its superstar. However, if he chooses to depart, several teams could emerge as contenders to acquire him.
Toronto Maple Leafs Could Make a Bold Push for McDavid
The Maple Leafs already possess a star center in Auston Matthews, but landing McDavid would uplift Toronto’s hockey scene dramatically, especially since McDavid hails from the Greater Toronto Area. Canada’s most prominent hockey market would find it difficult to ignore the chance to add its country’s top player, a storyline loaded with hometown pride and fan fervor.
If Toronto continues to falter in the playoffs, pressure will grow on management to pursue radical changes. Creating a powerhouse center duo with McDavid and Matthews could redefine their offensive capabilities, or the Leafs might consider trading Matthews for numerous assets while making McDavid their cornerstone, though such a move would be unprecedented in the NHL.
New York Rangers: The NHL’s Biggest Market Dangles an Enticing Option
The NHL would relish seeing its brightest star don the jersey of its largest market team. The Rangers, who endured a disappointing 2024-25 season, would certainly welcome a franchise-altering player like McDavid to rekindle enthusiasm at Madison Square Garden.
With $11 million in salary coming off due to Artemi Panarin’s impending free agency and an eventual move away from Mika Zibanejad’s contract, the Rangers are positioned to create cap space for McDavid. Bringing him to Manhattan could transform the team’s competitive outlook and energize their fanbase.
Vegas Golden Knights Likely to Enter the McDavid Sweepstakes
In the NHL, a top player entering free agency almost guarantees interest from the Vegas Golden Knights, known for their aggressive pursuit of star talent regardless of cap pressures. While they might stretch the salary cap to fit McDavid, the potential contractual movements in Vegas add intrigue.
Jack Eichel, Vegas’ current top player, is entering the final year of his contract, and Mark Stone has only two years left. This could free up significant salary space shortly, making the Golden Knights a viable destination for another superstar.
Vegas has proven to be a ruthlessly competitive organization, willing to make tough decisions to win. Therefore, if McDavid becomes available, plans to pursue him aggressively would almost certainly be underway.
Pittsburgh Penguins: A Legacy of Superstar Talent Awaits Evolution
The Penguins’ identity has long been linked with legendary talents such as Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Sidney Crosby, and Evgeni Malkin. Securing McDavid would extend that tradition, especially as the team navigates an early rebuild phase during the 2025-26 season.
Though the Penguins might struggle on the ice during this period and aim for a top draft position, general manager Kyle Dubas remains committed to competing with Crosby still active. The team’s emerging farm system and wealth of draft picks provide hope for resurgence.
Additionally, Malkin’s departure appears likely, and moving veteran Erik Karlsson could open significant salary-cap room. The prospect of Crosby and McDavid sharing the ice for a few seasons before McDavid assumes leadership carries considerable excitement, even if draft lottery success remains the more traditional path for Pittsburgh’s next superstar acquisition.
Chicago Blackhawks Could Become an Unexpected Destination if Progress is Made
Currently, McDavid joining Chicago appears unlikely due to their prolonged struggles and lack of winning playoff contention in recent years. However, if the Blackhawks make a substantial leap this season, fueled by Connor Bedard’s much-anticipated rise to stardom, the team could attract his interest.
With a storied history as an Original Six franchise, a large media market, and considerable salary-cap flexibility due to minimal long-term contracts, Chicago would possess both the financial means and the foundational elements to pursue McDavid and support complementary players if the organization’s trajectory improves.
Boston Bruins Seek a Game-Changing Center and McDavid Fits the Need
The Bruins have moved into a period of mediocrity but appear reluctant to undergo a full rebuild. To surpass their recent performance and meet future expectations, acquiring a dominant No. 1 center is essential, a void left since the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.
The team’s current options—including Casey Mittelstadt, Pavel Zacha, and Elias Lindholm—do not fulfill this role. As an Original Six franchise located in a major market with a strong desire to contend, Boston’s pursuit of McDavid could offer mutual benefits, providing McDavid with a platform in a historic organization eager to return to elite status.