Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, a premier NHL talent, may soon finalize a contract extension, according to reports from the 2 Mutts Podcast. With just one year remaining on his current contract, McDavid is set to become an unrestricted free agent next July 1, making his contract status the top priority for Oilers general manager Stan Bowman.
McDavid will represent Canada in the 2026 Winter Milan Olympics and has been invited to the Team Canada Orientation Camp, scheduled for late August in Calgary. Sources indicate that a new contract deal could be signed during or shortly after this camp, though it is unlikely to be a long-term commitment.
Details Emerging on Potential Contract Terms and Timing
The contract extension for McDavid is expected to be announced before the Oilers’ Captain Skates event and the start of training camp. The 2 Mutts Podcast shared insights suggesting the new deal might span two to four years, as the Oilers understand McDavid is not interested in an eight-year contract at this stage. Discussions around the average annual value (AAV) of the contract have shifted from $16 million to approximately $17.5 million.
Currently, McDavid earns $12 million per year on the contract he signed in July 2017. The proposed increase reflects his status as one of the league’s top players and a crucial part of the Oilers’ future plans.
McDavid Reflects on Contract Decisions Amid Post-Season Disappointment
After Edmonton’s consecutive loss in the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers, McDavid expressed a measured stance on rushing into an extension. While the Oilers and fans hope for a swift agreement, McDavid emphasized his need to make decisions that are best for himself and his family.
“We’re all in this together, trying to get it over that finish line. But with that being said, I still need to do what’s best for me and my family.”
—Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers Captain
His comments highlight the personal considerations involved amid the professional pressures, leaving some uncertainty about contract negotiations. Should talks not conclude successfully, McDavid could become one of the most notable unrestricted free agents in NHL history next summer.
Significance of McDavid’s Contract for the Oilers’ Future
The upcoming extension talks carry immense weight for the Oilers, who rely heavily on McDavid’s leadership and talent. Securing him for the next several seasons is vital to the team’s aspirations following back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances. The timing, around the Team Canada camp, suggests a strategic moment to finalize the deal before the season ramps up.
As training camp approaches in early fall, observers will closely watch how this high-stakes contract negotiation unfolds, with implications for both McDavid’s career and the Oilers’ competitive outlook.