The Edmonton Oilers are facing their biggest offseason question, and it all centers on Connor McDavid. With just one year remaining on his eight-year, $100 million deal, the entire future of the franchise hangs on whether its captain is ready to commit to another long-term contract. As training camp looms, negotiations are expected to intensify, with both sides eager to resolve the situation and avoid any distractions heading into the 2025-26 season.
Will Connor McDavid Commit to the Edmonton Oilers Long-Term?
While speculation swirls, the Oilers appear relaxed about the process. Team executives have maintained that the conversation will be straightforward, a stark contrast to most superstar negotiations. There is no sense of panic, largely because McDavid has been vocal about his love for the Oilers and his commitment to winning with the current roster.
The core question is not whether McDavid will stay, but for how long. According to NHL analyst Pierre McGuire, who shared his perspective during an appearance on “The Sheet with Jeff Marek,” the negotiations won’t be complicated by issues of loyalty or desire.
“This is not a hard negotiation. It would never be a hard negotiation,” McGuire explained. “It comes down to how many years Connor wants to commit to that.”
McDavid is happy in the Oilers. He has forged close friendships with teammates like Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Darnell Nurse. He trusts the team’s leadership, from coach Kris Knoblauch to CEO Jeff Jackson.
Furthermore, the ownership has built a strong relationship with him, a dynamic rarely discussed in today’s NHL. McGuire’s statement captures the heart of the matter: McDavid’s next deal will set the tone for the Oilers’ future for years to come.
Reports suggest his salary could rise well beyond his current $12.5 million cap hit. With Draisaitl now earning $14 million annually, projections for McDavid’s next contract range between $16 million and $20 million per season, depending on the term length.
What Could a McDavid Extension Look Like?
NHL insiders believe talks will ramp up between the end of Team Canada’s Olympic orientation camp and the start of Oilers training camp. While the timeline is tight, there’s optimism from all sides that a resolution will come quickly.
Oilers management has made it clear that McDavid will dictate the pace of negotiations. The 28-year-old superstar has earned that right. He remains the face of the franchise and is coming off another dominant season, during which he posted over 100 points and led the playoffs in scoring.
For him, money is secondary, as winning continues to drive his decisions. As McDavid has said, if he feels the Oilers are positioned to win consistently, “signing is no problem.”
The departures of veterans like Evander Kane and Corey Perry add pressure on the supporting cast, but the Oilers remain one of the league’s top contenders. That competitive window is what matters most to McDavid.
At this point, the question isn’t whether he will re-sign, it’s when and for how many years. The Oilers are prepared to give him whatever contract structure he wants. If the optimistic signals from the organization are correct, the Oilers fans may get their answer before training camp begins.
