The clock is ticking on Connor McDavid’s current deal, and Edmonton fans are holding their breath. With just two seasons left on his eight-year, $100 million contract, the 28-year-old superstar can officially sign an extension.
The question isn’t whether he’s worth whatever he asks for; it’s whether the Oilers will have to break the bank to keep their franchise player home.
Will Connor McDavid Actually Stay in Edmonton?
Connor McDavid is officially eligible to sign a contract extension, and naturally, this is drawing quite a bit of buzz around the NHL world.
With just two seasons remaining on the superstar’s current eight-year, $100 million contract, Edmonton is facing mounting pressure to lock up the center before he becomes a real threat to leave for a different franchise.
However, according to a key league insider, there’s little to worry about regarding McDavid going anywhere other than Edmonton. Back on June 25, ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski reported that McDavid had previously hinted at some hesitation about his future in Edmonton.
“This core has been together for a long time, and we’ve been building to this moment all along. The work that’s gone on behind the scenes, the conversations, the endless disappointments, and some good times along the way, obviously.”
He continued, “We’re all in this together, trying to get it over that finish line,” McDavid said. “With that being said,” McDavid continued, “ultimately, I still need to do what’s best for me and my family. That’s who you have to take care of first.”
But that report was just under a month ago, and the hockey world has since learned different information.
What Does Elliotte Friedman Think About McDavid’s Future?
According to an episode of Elliotte Friedman’s podcast, the insider said he doesn’t feel any sense that McDavid will be dressed in anything other than an Oilers jersey.
Elliotte Friedman: Re Connor McDavid: This is not one I’m worried about, I think he extends, I just don’t know what the term of that is going to be; there will be no fight, “what do you want, fine” – 32 Thoughts Podcast
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 13, 2025
“This [Connor McDavid rumor] is not one I’m worried about, I think he extends [with Edmonton], I just don’t know what the term of that is going to be; there will be no fight, “what do you want, fine,” Friedman said on his 32 Thoughts Podcast.
With the NHL salary cap projected to rise to $103.5 million, McDavid can legally sign a deal worth up to 20% of the cap, approximately a record-breaking $20.7 million per year. According to ESPN, his next contract will likely range between $15.5 million and $19 million per year on a max deal.
RELATED: Oilers Insider Pumps The Brakes On Hobey Baker Winner Lining Up Alongside Connor McDavid
For context, Auston Matthews had the league’s highest cap hit at $13.25 million average annual value before Leon Draisaitl’s contract at $14 million AAV kicks in next season.
McDavid has been with Edmonton since they selected him as the No. 1 overall pick back in 2015. He has since recorded 1,082 points across 361 goals and 721 assists for the franchise.
