All summer long, the Edmonton Oilers had one priority heading into the 2025-26 season: securing Connor McDavid’s future.
The center has been the driving force behind the Oilers’ recent dominance, leading them to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances. So when McDavid finally re-signed with the Oilers on October 6, it was a moment of relief for fans across Edmonton.
But while critics were discussing the details about the Oilers’ captain’s latest deal, the center got a surprise message from the Canadian Prime Minister himself.
Connor McDavid Gets a Message From Canada PM Mark Carney
Since McDavid became eligible to sign an extension on July 1, the Oilers kept things light, giving him all the room he needs to consider his future.
But through the summer and into fall, the superstar remained noncommittal, offering only vague responses about his future while Edmonton fans grew increasingly anxious.
Speculation mounted that the captain might leave Edmonton when his contract expired. Those fears were finally put to rest Monday when the Oilers announced McDavid had signed a two-year, $25 million extension, keeping him in Alberta through the 2027-28 season.
The announcement drew reactions from across Canada, including from Prime Minister Mark Carney himself. The Liberal leader has been a devoted Oilers fan since moving to Edmonton in 1983, and he couldn’t resist congratulating the franchise on securing their superstar for two more years.
Carney posted on X late October 6, writing simply: “Crisis averted. #LetsGoOilers.” The Prime Minister, who was at the Oilers’ morning skate on March 20 before their game against Winnipeg, has never been shy about his passion for the team.
For the Edmonton-raised Prime Minister, McDavid’s commitment represented more than just hockey news. It was also a personal victory. And Carney wasn’t the only Canadian politician celebrating the signing.
Danielle Smith, Leader of the governing United Conservative Party, also celebrated McDavid’s commitment to Edmonton. “Talk about taking one for the team… Thank you, Connor,” she posted on Monday. Like Carney, Smith has been a vocal supporter of the Oilers throughout her political career.
Smith had previously invited Carney to Game 5 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against Florida, though neither could attend due to scheduling conflicts. Despite their busy political schedules, both leaders remain passionate supporters of the franchise and its franchise player.
However, not everyone views McDavid’s extension as purely positive news. Some analysts note that by taking just $25 million over two years instead of a long-term max deal worth over $100 million, McDavid has sent Edmonton a message: build a championship contender now, or risk losing him in 2028.
For now, the Oilers are focused on the immediate task at hand: their season opener on Wednesday, October 8, against the Calgary Flames in the Battle of Alberta. McDavid’s long-term future can wait, but for now, the Oilers need to set a marker for what a fresh challenge for the Stanley Cup looks like.
