Before the puck dropped on this season, every Oilers fan had one burning question weighing on their minds. Would Connor McDavid re-sign with Edmonton? For many, the pain and anguish of back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals losses seemed like enough motivation for the captain to explore other options.
However, on October 6, McDavid shocked the hockey world with unexpected news. Not only did he sign an extension, but he also agreed to just two years at his current salary. The decision left both fans and critics stunned by the short-term commitment and team-friendly structure.
Now, after a month-long wait, McDavid’s agent has finally opened up on the circumstances behind the short two-year term.
Connor McDavid’s Agent Opens Up on the Reality Behind the $25M Contract Extension
The unusual nature of McDavid’s contract sparked immediate speculation across the hockey world. Fans questioned why the best player on the planet would commit to just two additional seasons rather than securing a lengthy max-dollar deal.
Critics wondered whether the short term signaled McDavid’s intention to leave Edmonton in 2027 when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. McDavid’s agent, Judd Moldaver, finally addressed the situation during an appearance on the 100% Hockey podcast.
The super-agent didn’t hold back when discussing the wild speculation that followed the announcement. “A lot of people speak in opinion under the guise of facts. ‘I know 2 plus 2 is 5. I know this.’ You don’t know anything,” Moldaver said.
The agent quickly dismissed all the hot takes and rumors of McDavid putting the Oilers on the clock.
“Am I surprised? No. People are going to come up with all sorts of imaginations. But they don’t know. I’m not surprised by what anybody says anymore because a lot of people make things up.”
Moldaver emphasized that the deal made perfect sense for McDavid’s situation.
“It was the right deal for the player in this situation,” he stated matter-of-factly. The structure of the extension raised eyebrows around the league. Most superstars maximize their annual average value by signing lengthy contracts that spread the cap hit across several seasons. McDavid took a different approach by keeping the term short while maintaining his current $12.5 million cap hit.
“I think we did the best deal that kept the AAV at a favorable place,” Moldaver said.
He continued, “Still blending a transcendent deal for Connor, given the term and the AAV, which, in most situations, has a longer term to achieve a higher AAV.”
He rejected suggestions that the short term represented anything nefarious or concerning about McDavid’s commitment to Edmonton. He framed the decision purely through the lens of competitive advantage rather than exit strategy.
“I don’t look at it like that. I look at it as the best deal that puts him in the position to win there,” he said, emphasizing winning as the primary motivation behind the structure. When pressed about whether McDavid was keeping his options open for 2027, he dismissed the long-term speculation entirely.
“I don’t think that deeply about it. We’re in 2025/26. He’s under contract this year. He signed a two-year extension. One step at a time,” Moldaver added.
All things considered, the short term gives the captain flexibility while allowing Edmonton time to prove they can assemble a championship roster around him. Whether that flexibility ultimately helps or hurts the Oilers remains to be seen.
For now, McDavid has bought the franchise two more seasons to deliver on their championship promises.
