There could be a blockbuster deal going down tomorrow but the NHL world would still be glued to the contract negotiations between Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
The pressure is on the Oilers to get a deal across the finish line and convince their franchise cornerstone that this is definitely the place to be if he wants to contend for the Stanley Cup despite falling short at the final hurdle two years in a row.
Amid all the noise around his contract situation, McDavid sent Oilers fans a clear message in a recent interview.
Connor McDavid Sets Record Straight On Delay In Contract Negotiations
In an interview with TSN, McDavid made it crystal clear that this is not about squeezing eveyr single dollar out of an extension with the salary cap set to rise year on year.
“I think guys within the Edmonton market understand what my desires are because they know me. Players understand where I’m at. It’s not about trying to make the most amount of money. I think my former agent knows that, given how has the last negotiations went,” McDavid said.
“It’s about winning. It’s about winning over and over again and that’s my priority – all with the understanding that I put a lot into this.”
The Oilers superstar also made it plenty clear that he has the utmost faith in this iteration of the team.
“My confidence in this team this year has never been higher. That’s what I can say about that. Listen, does anyone have a crystal ball and know what two years, three years, four years, five or whatever [will look like]? Nobody has a crystal ball. Nobody knows what that’s going to look like.
“The belief is not the issue – not that there is an issue. It’s just that we’re working through it and we’re working through it together.”
McDavid stressed that he and his team are trying to find a “razor’s edge” with Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson to zero in on a scenario that works for his family’s security, and one that gives Edmonton enough room to continue being successful.
The Oilers are on somewhat of a clock when it comes to their Stanley Cup aspirations. Zach Hyman will be 34 this season, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be 33, and Mattias Ekholm will be 36.
McDavid on the potential of not having a deal before the season starts being a distraction.
“At the end of the day, it’s not as big a worry for me as I think people might assume. We’re all professional hockey players we’re all adults, this is a mature group”
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) September 5, 2025
As things stand, with an aging core, the Oilers don’t have much artillery in terms of young and upcoming talent to ensure McDavid has a contending team around him if he signs a max contract.
Signing an eight-year deal would also put him in the strange position of leaving some money on the table with the salary cap set to rise dramatically over the next four years. As such, a four- or five-year deal would set the stage for both parties to get the best of both worlds.
But until Connor McDavid signs on the dotted line, questions are bound to be asked about the Oilers’ capacity to get things done.
