Connor McDavid is entering the final year of his eight-year, $100 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers, and the coming months will be pivotal for the franchise’s future. As the team prepares for the next steps, fans eagerly await updates on the Connor McDavid contract extension update that could reshape the Oilers for years ahead.

After a quiet period following Edmonton’s loss to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final, insider Bob Stauffer provided some insight on when fans might expect progress. He noted that significant negotiations could begin soon, particularly after teammate Leon Draisaitl’s wedding in early August.

Expected Timing for Securing McDavid’s Extension

Bob Stauffer remains confident that the Oilers will finalize an extension with McDavid in the offseason. On the program Oilers Now, he said,

“I still believe 100% that Connor McDavid will be extended in the offseason by the Edmonton Oilers,”

indicating that discussions may gain momentum soon after Leon Draisaitl’s wedding.

August is widely seen as the starting point for serious talks between McDavid’s representatives and the Oilers’ management. Although McDavid cannot technically enter unrestricted free agency until 2026, Edmonton is aware that delaying could jeopardize their hold on the franchise’s most valuable player. At 28, McDavid continues to perform at an elite level, making the extension a top priority after nearly leading the Oilers to a Stanley Cup title.

The organization understands the essential nature of locking down McDavid long-term, but until an agreement is signed, uncertainty remains a challenge for the club and its supporters.

Other Edmonton Oilers Players Facing Contract Negotiations

While McDavid’s contract naturally overshadows other talks, the Oilers are also preparing to negotiate with other key players this summer. Stauffer mentioned that the team is either in discussions or will soon engage with defensemen Mattias Ekholm and Jake Walman.

Regarding these negotiations, he shared,

“There’s other players that might get signed before then to extensions. I’ll just throw you a little bone.”

He continued,

“It wouldn’t surprise me if the Oilers extended Matthias Ekholm, maybe even this summer. What about Brett Kulak? And then there’s Jake Walman. He’s going to get extended too. You could pretty much bet on that, though he’ll likely play on the right side.”

Ekholm, despite missing time with injury during the 2024-25 season, returned during the Stanley Cup Final and contributed solid defensive play. Although he is in the latter phase of his career, his veteran presence remains valuable to the Oilers. A shorter-term extension could be on the horizon for the Swedish defenceman.

Jake Walman’s acquisition from the San Jose Sharks in March was a significant boost for Edmonton’s defense. The left-shot blueliner impressed with his agility and offensive skills, quickly earning minutes during the playoffs. His current contract pays a $3.4 million cap hit, but the next deal could increase to a $6-7 million annual range if the Oilers commit to him long-term.

Looking Ahead: Prospects and Future Additions for the Oilers’ Defense

Beyond immediate contract talks, the Oilers are eyeing future talent to strengthen their roster. One promising player is Army West Point defenseman Mac Gadowsky, who has caught the attention of scouts.

Gadowsky, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound defenseman, recently earned First Team All-American honors, becoming only the sixth in Army’s program history and third in the Division I era. His achievement highlights his potential as an impactful future player.

Stauffer emphasized Gadowsky’s importance, stating,

“Remember that name. He’s going to be one of the targets out there.”

Edmonton could pursue signing Gadowsky once he becomes eligible next summer, adding a promising prospect to their defense corps.

Throughout the summer, the Oilers are balancing immediate contract priorities with long-term roster planning as they prepare to maintain competitiveness while securing cornerstone players.

Implications of the Upcoming Contract Decisions

The resolution of Connor McDavid’s contract extension will carry significant weight for the Edmonton Oilers’ direction in the coming years. Retaining the franchise star ensures stability for the team’s competitive window, while managing other key contracts will help solidify the supporting lineup on defense and beyond.

As talks advance, the Oilers are poised to reinforce their roster strategically, addressing both veteran contributions and future prospects. The upcoming offseason promises to be highly consequential for Edmonton, with the hockey world closely watching how these negotiations unfold.