Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid disclosed that teammate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins endured a broken hand while competing in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. Speaking at the team’s post-season media availability, McDavid reflected on the significant challenges the team faced, particularly with injuries affecting key players throughout the playoffs.
In discussing the team’s dynamics, McDavid acknowledged the impact injuries had on their performance, noting how vital players like Zach Hyman played a specialized role that was missed during critical moments in the series.
“Injuries definitely played a factor. I would say, you know, missing Hyman in a series where, you know, battles and speed and getting up the ice were an issue. Those are Zach’s specialty. Missed him a lot.” —Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers captain
Regarding Nugent-Hopkins, McDavid made a revealing statement about the forward’s determination to continue playing despite his painful injury, underscoring the adversity the team managed during the finals.
“Nugent being able to gut it out with a broken hand and give us what he gave us was pretty special. That was a pretty painful thing for him to go through, and it wasn’t easy to watch him go through that, but it was pretty amazing what he was able to do. Ultimately, just. Yeah, it sucks to not be 100% in those big moments as a group.” —Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers captain
While McDavid did not offer the injuries as justification for the Oilers’ second consecutive defeat by the Panthers, he emphasized how crucial it was for the team to manage health issues amid the high stakes, impacting their overall effectiveness.
The timing of Nugent-Hopkins’ hand injury remains unclear, as the Oilers managed to keep the situation undisclosed during the Stanley Cup Final, maintaining a level of secrecy around player availability and condition.
McDavid takes measured approach toward contract extension talks with Oilers
During the same media session, Connor McDavid made clear that he is not in a hurry to finalize a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers. Despite speculation, his comments suggested no immediate intention to leave the team’s core in Oil Country.
McDavid expressed a need for time to reflect and indicated that discussions between him and the Oilers organization have already begun, but formal negotiations are yet to pick up momentum.
“It’s only been a couple of days, I’m sure we’ll get into it over the course of the next couple of weeks. I’m not in a rush to make any decision, so I don’t think that there needs to be any timeline.” —Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers captain
Reported by David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, these initial talks involve multiple options ranging from short-term to long-term deals, with McDavid’s next contract expected to come within the range of $15 to $18 million annually depending on its duration.
Fans remain hopeful that negotiations will lead to an agreement that secures McDavid’s future with the Oilers, preserving the team’s star power and competitiveness moving forward.