Connor McDavid will become eligible to sign a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, but any decision about his future remains uncertain for now. The latest Connor McDavid contract extension news suggests the superstar is expected to avoid another long-term deal like his previous eight-year contract, instead favoring a shorter commitment.
Insider Predicts McDavid Will Choose a Shorter Contract Over a Long-Term Deal
Veteran NHL analyst Mark Spector, speaking on Sportsnet 590 The FAN, indicated that McDavid is unlikely to replicate the lengthy eight-year agreement he signed in 2017. Spector forecasts that McDavid will opt for a four-year contract extension, allowing him flexibility to re-enter the market sooner and reassess his options, whether with Edmonton or elsewhere.
“I think he’ll sign like a four year deal, and that will allow him to get back in the market four years from now and do a new contract, whether it’s in Edmonton, wherever it is,”
Spector said.
“I do not see an eight year deal in Edmonton.”
McDavid’s Performance and Approach to His Contract Decision
Coming off his second Stanley Cup Final loss, Connor McDavid still has one year remaining on his $100 million contract. Last season, he recorded 100 points over 67 regular-season games and added 33 points during the playoffs, demonstrating why he remains the Oilers’ key player. Despite this, McDavid is not rushing to finalize his contract extension and has emphasized evaluating the team’s chances first.
“If I feel that there’s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem,”
McDavid said.
“I’m not in a rush to make any decision, so I don’t think there needs to be any timeline.”
Impact of Roster Changes and McDavid’s Timeline for Signing
Spector also noted McDavid wants to see how new general manager Stan Bowman reshapes the roster over the summer before committing to a new contract. Though McDavid appears set to sign relatively soon, he is expected to wait until after examining the team’s offseason moves rather than delaying until the trade deadline.
“McDavid wants to see this roster before he signs. I don’t think he’s waiting till the trade deadline to sign,”
Spector explained.
“So I believe he will sign. I’m quite sure he’ll sign.”
The current cap hit on McDavid’s contract is $12.5 million for the 2025-26 season, underscoring his value to the Oilers moving forward.
Potential Effects on Edmonton’s Future and McDavid’s Career
McDavid’s decision on a shorter contract extension will significantly affect the Oilers’ salary cap management and long-term roster building. By choosing a deal shorter than eight years, he retains greater flexibility for his career while allowing Edmonton to adjust around his status more readily. For Oilers fans, this cautious and measured approach may heighten anxiety, but it offers McDavid the chance to assess the team’s competitiveness under Bowman’s leadership before fully committing.