As Connor McDavid approaches the final year of his current contract with the Edmonton Oilers, speculation about his future continues to intensify within the hockey community. His team’s recent loss to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals has amplified questions about whether McDavid might seek to join another franchise to finally win a championship.
One prominent potential destination gaining attention is the Tampa Bay Lightning. Rumors have surfaced suggesting a major trade could happen, with star center Brayden Point playing a crucial role in any deal involving McDavid.
Trade Package for McDavid Centers on Brayden Point and Key Prospects
Jay Recher, a reporter covering the Tampa Bay Lightning, outlined what a trade for Connor McDavid might entail. According to Recher, Brayden Point would be the cornerstone of the package the Lightning would offer.
“So what would that package look like? What would a trade for Connor McDavid look like? So I think when you look at this deal, Brayden Point, he would be the centerpiece of this deal; obviously, you need a big gem going back. The next piece is Isaac Howard, Hobey-Baker winner, highly touted prospect that is not going to sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He’s gonna jump right into that starting lineup for Edmonton,” Recher said.
“The third guy would be a guy like Jack Finley. More help up the middle, more size, help your middle-six. And then I think Erik Cernak. Right-handed shot on the blue line, $5.2 million,” Recher added.
McDavid’s current contract, signed in 2015, is an eight-year extension worth $100 million and is set to expire after the upcoming season. In comparison, Brayden Point has five years remaining on his eight-year, $76 million contract extension inked in 2019, highlighting the high stakes involved in a potential trade.
Initial Rumors Link McDavid to Tampa Bay Emerged from Podcasters
The first public whispers of Connor McDavid possibly moving to Tampa Bay appeared shortly after Edmonton’s recent loss in the Stanley Cup Finals. The hockey podcast Spittin’ Chiclets was among the earliest sources to discuss this potential blockbuster trade.
Matt Murley, one of the podcast hosts, shared a surprising tip about McDavid’s next destination.
“So, a pretty wild rumor I heard this morning. McDavid to a team that starts with the letter T: Tampa. And it was not Toronto Biz. That was the rumor I heard,” Murley said.
This initial mention sparked wider conversation among hockey fans and analysts, as McDavid remains one of the most valuable and sought-after players in the NHL.
Contract Timeline and Future Outlook
Connor McDavid is eligible to sign a new contract extension starting July 1, 2025. Until then, uncertainty about his next move will likely continue to fuel trade rumors, especially with growing interest from the Tampa Bay Lightning and the significant assets that might be involved.
If a trade were to occur, it would mark a dramatic shift in the NHL landscape, pairing one of the league’s highest-paid stars with one of its most recent Stanley Cup contenders. The drama surrounding McDavid’s contract and potential trade shows no signs of slowing, keeping hockey fans and organizations alert as the next season approaches.