Connor McDavid’s contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers remains unresolved as the NHL training camp approaches, sparking speculation about potential trades to major market teams. Discussions around the star player’s future have yet to gain momentum, with McDavid controlling the timing of any decision, according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli.

Early Discussions Mark Contract Talks Between McDavid and Oilers

McDavid is entering the final year of his $100 million deal with Edmonton, but contract extension talks are still in a preliminary phase. Seravalli explained that neither the Oilers nor McDavid’s camp seem anxious as negotiations have yet to fully start. Both sides appear patient, anticipating the process to intensify soon but currently showing no signs of urgency.

“They’re still kind of very early on in the process, and yet there doesn’t seem to be any hint of nerves or panic or fear from either the Edmonton Oilers side, as best as I can tell, or also the McDavid side that I’d expect in relatively short order here, whether it’s in the next week or two that that process will begin to ramp up…,” Seravalli said.

McDavid has been a part of the Oilers for nine seasons and has significantly impacted the franchise’s success, leading the team to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Florida Panthers twice.

Potential Trade Destinations Gain Attention if Extension Delays Persist

Seravalli noted that if McDavid remains unsigned as training camp nears or opens, trade discussions could accelerate. He expressed that while McDavid is expected to set his own timeline for the contract, speculation about moves to big-market teams has intensified. Among the likely candidates are the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers—valued at $3.5 billion by Forbes—Toronto Maple Leafs, and Chicago Blackhawks.

“He’s not going anywhere. I think there’s a very small chance, maybe very small is overstating it. I think there’s a small chance that we get to a month from now and the camp’s about to open and McDavid still doesn’t have a deal done. That’s when the conversation begins to percolate a lot more,” Seravalli said.

“Although it’s pretty clear that he’s going to do it on his own timeline. But that said, just think big market. Think LA, New York, Toronto, Chicago, like big, big markets that would have a player of that ilk. Those are the types of things that I’m sure hockey fans around the league are thinking about is getting the best player in the world into a big market,” he added.

What McDavid’s Decision Could Mean for the NHL Landscape

The ongoing speculation around Connor McDavid contract extension highlights the importance of securing the world’s top player in the sport. Should McDavid stay with Edmonton, the Oilers retain their standout competitor and a central figure to their championship ambitions. However, if a trade situation develops, it could drastically reshape competitive dynamics, especially by involving storied franchises in major markets like Toronto or New York.

As the negotiation process continues, fans and analysts alike will closely watch how McDavid’s next move plays out—whether he chooses to extend his tenure with the Oilers or considers one of the key big-market teams reportedly interested. The coming weeks promise to be critical in determining the future direction of one of hockey’s brightest stars.