Connor McDavid’s contract is and will continue to be the biggest storyline in hockey. We’re all just going to have to make peace with that.
The Edmonton Oilers’ captain is eligible for an extension, but no deal has been signed as training camp opens for the 2025-26 season. The question isn’t whether McDavid will get paid. It’s how much, and what kind of ripple effect his next contract will have on the rest of the league.
Could Connor McDavid’s Deal Trigger a Domino Effect in Player Salaries?
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, speaking on the 32 Thoughts podcast, suggested McDavid may surprise people with a lower-than-expected deal. Some around the league believe his extension, if signed in Edmonton, could fall in the $15.5 million range instead of the $17 million or more many anticipated.
That’s where the domino effect begins.
If McDavid, the best player in hockey today, signs for less, teams could use his number as a ceiling in other negotiations.
Agents would then face an uphill task. Convincing clubs to pay more than Connor McDavid’s getting is a hard sell, even with a rising salary cap. One executive reportedly told Friedman that teams are hoping McDavid signs quickly so they can use his figure as leverage in talks with other players.
This dynamic could reshape negotiations for upcoming free agents. Kirill Kaprizov, Jack Eichel, and others are all in line for major extensions. But if McDavid’s contract falls below a certain threshold, agents may struggle to argue their clients deserve more.
Friedman also pointed out the Oilers’ internal structure. Leon Draisaitl is locked in at $14 million per year, Evan Bouchard at $10.5 million, and Darnell Nurse at $9.25 million. If McDavid soars past those numbers, it would create an imbalance. A discount keeps Edmonton’s books steadier while still rewarding its superstar.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Oilers. Signing McDavid to a team-friendly deal would give them flexibility to strengthen the roster around him, particularly in areas like goaltending, where questions remain. Friedman and others see echoes of that situation in McDavid’s approach.
McDavid Holds All the Cards in Edmonton
So far, McDavid has kept the process at his own pace. NHL insider Chris Johnston added that conversations between McDavid’s camp, GM Stan Bowman, and team president Jeff Jackson have been ongoing but without firm deadlines.
Everyone involved seems willing to let McDavid decide his timeline. The 2025-26 season will be watched closely not only for wins and losses but also for clues on McDavid’s future.
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If he takes less to stay in Edmonton, it could cement his legacy while altering how stars negotiate across the NHL. If he pushes for maximum value, he may reset the market entirely.
Either way, Connor McDavid’s decision will shape the league for years to come.
