Whenever Connor McDavid’s name comes up, even the smallest rumor can quickly become a major NHL storyline.
That has been the case all over again this offseason, with speculation growing about McDavid’s next contract and whether he could eventually consider leaving the Edmonton Oilers.
The conversation became so intense that Oilers insider Jason Gregor stepped in to push back on some of the more outlandish claims.
Oilers Insider Dismisses Connor McDavid Contract Rumor
The speculation originated on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, where hosts discussed the possibility of McDavid’s next contract reaching $23 million to $25 million per season.
Ryan Whitney suggested that McDavid’s value could reflect the NHL’s rapidly rising salary market and his unmatched production. Paul Bissonnette even floated the possibility of a $200 million total contract.
Gregor, however, questioned whether McDavid would actually prioritize maximizing his earnings.
“You think Conor McDavid is going to go and try to get $23 million? So if Conor McDavid hasn’t won a Cup in two years, and his contract’s up, you think he’s going to want to go get as much as he can? Because that will just lower his chance of winning. It makes no sense,” Gregor said.
“From a pure rational thought process, McDavid wants to win. Taking 23 million? Not going to do it. Whether it’s in Edmonton or anywhere, he’s not going to do it. Because he wants to win. And he knows if he takes up too much, his chance of winning is less. It’s just how it goes,” he added.
McDavid’s most recent contract decision appears to support Gregor’s argument.
The Oilers superstar signed a two-year, $25 million extension in October 2025, retaining his $12.5 million annual cap hit.
By taking less than the market maximum, McDavid gave GM Stan Bowman more flexibility to build around him and Leon Draisaitl, creating a two-year window for Edmonton to chase the Stanley Cup.
The Oilers have already made significant changes after a disappointing first-round playoff loss to the Anaheim Ducks that followed back-to-back Stanley Cup Final defeats to the Florida Panthers.
Edmonton fired Kris Knoblauch and hired Mike Babcock, bringing in a demanding coach known for structure and accountability. Bowman also created cap flexibility by trading Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks without retaining salary.
The Oilers then revamped their goaltending by signing Stanley Cup champion Frederik Andersen and acquiring promising young netminder Devon Levi from the Buffalo Sabres.
Whether those moves are enough remains to be seen, but Edmonton appears to have a deeper and more balanced roster than it did last season.
What Could McDavid’s Next Contract Look Like?
McDavid’s two-year extension sets up a major decision in 2028.
If the Oilers win the Stanley Cup, the smart money will be on a long-term deal and McDavid remaining with a team that has finally proven it can build a championship roster around him. With the salary cap expected to continue rising, his next contract could potentially land in the $16 million to $18 million range annually.
If Edmonton falls short again, McDavid could enter unrestricted free agency at 31 years old with absolute control over his future.
By accepting a short-term deal instead of maximizing his salary, McDavid has made his priorities clear. Winning comes first.
Now, the pressure is on Edmonton to make the most of the flexibility he gave the team.
