Connor McDavid’s contract has been a popular topic around Edmonton lately. Despite the buzz, there’s not been much movement as of yet.
With a season left on his current deal, both McDavid and the Oilers seem in no rush to begin extension talks.
Connor McDavid’s Future Still Unclear as Oilers Stay Patient
After the 2025 NHL Draft, Oilers general manager Stan Bowman spoke with reporters and addressed McDavid’s situation. Bowman confirmed that contract discussions haven’t started and said the organization is letting things unfold at McDavid’s pace.
“We really haven’t talked to him at all about his contract,” Bowman said. “It’s really just been talking about our team and about, you know, how we can improve and hit what he sees, and that kind of stuff. So the conversations haven’t even started.”
#Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman met with the media in Edmonton today following the #NHLDraft to discuss the coaching staff, Evan Bouchard & Connor McDavid’s contract negotiations & more.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/FcF8CM6HJI
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 28, 2025
McDavid, 28, just wrapped up another fantastic season. McDavid missed some time missed due to injury, but still managed to score 100 points in 67 regular-season games. In the Oilers’ postseason run to the Stanley Cup Final, he finished tied with teammate Leon Draisaitl as the top playoff scorer with 33 points.
Unfortunately for Edmonton, the Oilers’ season ended in disappointment once again. Edmonton lost in the Cup Final for a second straight season to the Florida Panthers. After the loss, McDavid made it clear that his focus remains on one goal: Winning.
Starting July 1, 2025, the Oilers are allowed to begin formal extension negotiations. But there’s no urgency between McDavid and the Oilers’ management. Bowman emphasized that any contract talks will begin only when McDavid is ready.
“We’re very eager to do that whenever they’re ready,” Bowman said. “I think Connor has earned the right to choose when he wants to get into the details of it, and we’re ready right now; he knows that.
“He’s right that July 1 is a date where we can officially sign him to a contract, but besides that, it’s just another date, and it doesn’t really change the process at all,” Bowman said.
McDavid echoed those thoughts. Speaking to reporters after the season ended, McDavid said he plans to discuss it with his family and agent before considering his long-term plans.
“The work that’s gone on behind the scenes, the conversations, the endless disappointment, and some good times along the way, obviously as well,” McDavid said.
“We’re all in this together, trying to get it over that finish line,” McDavid said. “With that being said, ultimately I still need to do what’s best for me and my family and that’s what I have to take care of first. But of course there’s unfinished business here, yeah.”
McDavid’s current contract, a deal worth $100 million over eight years, was signed back in 2017 and is set to expire after the 2025–26 season.
Since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2015, McDavid has piled up 1,082 points in 712 regular-season games and added 150 points in the NHL postseason. His trophy case includes three Hart Trophies, several Art Ross wins, Ted Lindsay Awards, and a recent Conn Smythe Trophy.
Whatever McDavid decides, it’ll have a huge impact on what comes next in Edmonton. Whether he commits early or takes his time, the entire franchise will be watching.
