The Edmonton Oilers have received a major boost regarding Connor McDavid’s long-term future.
While speculation about McDavid’s next contract has only grown since he signed a two-year extension in 2025, a new report suggests the Oilers may not have to worry about a record-breaking payday after all. Instead, Edmonton’s success over the next two seasons could ultimately determine whether its captain remains with the franchise.
Oilers Get Encouraging Connor McDavid News
When McDavid signed a two-year, $25 million extension in October 2025, it did more than keep him in Edmonton through the 2027-28 season.
The deal gave the Oilers valuable salary cap flexibility while also giving the organization a clear window to prove it can build a Stanley Cup contender around the NHL’s biggest star. How Edmonton performs under new head coach Mike Babcock and whether general manager Stan Bowman’s revamped roster can deliver a championship will likely shape McDavid’s next contract.
But NHL analyst Justin Arenburg believes McDavid could easily become the highest-paid player in league history if he reaches free agency.
“Everyone knows that Connor McDavid, widely considered the best overall player today, could demand a max contract in 2028 from either the Oilers or any of the 31 other teams that would be willing to pay him that. He deserves it,” Arenburg noted.
However, Arenburg doesn’t believe McDavid is guaranteed to seek the maximum salary. He pointed out that McDavid passed on that opportunity when he signed his eight-year extension in 2017 and again when he agreed to a two-year extension in 2025.
He also noted McDavid’s original eight-year contract, signed in 2017, accounted for 15.72 percent of the salary cap, while his 2025 extension represented only 12.02 percent. “McDavid has taken less twice now to give the Oilers a chance to build a better team around him in order to try and win the Stanley Cup.” he said.
“If McDavid wants the max, he will get it. But going off his history, it’s tough to say he will take it,” Arenburg added.
If the Oilers win the Stanley Cup or make another deep playoff run over the next two seasons, McDavid will likely have little reason to leave. In that case, he could sign a long-term extension worth around $14.5 million to $16 million per year, helping Edmonton keep its core together.
If the Oilers fall short again, things could change. McDavid could sign a shorter, more expensive extension or test free agency in 2028, where he would immediately become the most sought-after player in NHL history and earn more than $20 million per season.
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Arenburg believes winning is more important to McDavid than earning the biggest possible contract. If the Oilers become a trueStanley Cup contender over the next two seasons, he’s expected to sign a long-term extension. If they don’t, keeping him after 2028 could become much more difficult.
