For the Edmonton Oilers, securing Connor McDavid was their biggest priority throughout this summer. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing from the get-go.
Throughout the offseason, McDavid stalled on putting pen to paper, making the fanbase a little more antsy with each passing day.
That wait finally came to a close on Oct. 6, when McDavid finally re-signed with the Oilers. However, while critics were stunned by the numbers on his extension, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews wasn’t all that taken aback.
What’s the Real Reason Behind Connor McDavid’s Team-Friendly Deal?
Little was known in terms of what would transpire with McDavid’s contract, especially with the season inching closer. The only consensus was that he’d sign a short-term contract to ensure the Oilers would remain competitive.
But on Monday, the Oilers locked in their star center on a two-year, $25 million contract extension.
Instead of taking a long-term deal from Edmonton, McDavid settled for a measly AAV of $12.5 million. Unlike other forwards like Kirill Kaprizov, who just signed a $136 million contract extension with the Minnesota Wild, McDavid left a lot of money on the table when he could’ve signed for as much as $19.1 million a year.
While eyebrows were raised around the league, especially owing to the league’s rising cap, Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews was asked for his thoughts on his rival’s extension. Speaking with David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Matthews mentioned, “I think for him, it’s all about winning.”
Matthews believes that by allowing the Oilers to have more cap space available, the team has a better chance of bringing in fresh faces over the next few years. McDavid understands that if he takes too much cap space, the Oilers will have a tough time squeezing the best out of the rising cap.
Auston Matthews on McDavid’s extension with Edmonton at a ‘modest’ $12.5M AAV: “I think for him, it’s all about winning.”
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) October 7, 2025
Additionally, if things don’t work out with the Oilers, a short-term deal also makes it easier for him to leave Edmonton. McDavid has mentioned multiple times that winning a Stanley Cup is all that matters.
The Oilers took a small step in the right direction by acquiring goaltender Connor Ingram from the Utah Mammoth after he was placed on waivers.
Last season, McDavid blew past other championship-caliber teams like the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights en route to a second consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final. But the Oilers’ struggles with their goaltending and the Panthers’ relentless offense quickly shut down Edmonton’s championship hopes.
This year, with McDavid aiming to surpass his 100-point form from last season, and the Oilers hoping to fare better in the crease, the long wait to hoist a Stanley Cup might finally come to an end.
At the very least, the Oilers will continue to remain competitive over the next three years, affording McDavid his best shot at the holy grail of hockey.
