The biggest question facing the Edmonton Oilers this offseason revolves around one person: Connor McDavid. With just one year remaining on his massive eight-year, $100 million contract, the clock is ticking.
The entire future of the franchise hinges on whether their captain believes Edmonton is still the right place to chase a championship, and it looks like an answer is coming soon.
When Will Connor McDavid Sign His Next Oilers Deal?
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that contract talks are expected to heat up between Team Canada’s Olympic orientation camp in late August and the start of the Oilers’ training camp in September.
According to Friedman, both sides are motivated to reach an agreement quickly and avoid any lingering distractions.
Speaking on his 32 Thoughts podcast from the NHL’s European media tour in Italy, Friedman said he believes discussions will begin as soon as McDavid returns from the Olympic camp.
“Just at the start of camp, I could see it,” Friedman noted. “I just think everybody wants to get it done. So I would expect between Olympic camp and training camp, they sit down and say, ‘How’s this all going to look?'”
General Manager Stan Bowman echoed this sentiment, making it clear that McDavid is the team’s top priority. Bowman emphasized that the Oilers will work around their captain’s timeline and confirmed that the entire process will move at McDavid’s preferred pace.
The 28-year-old forward has been eligible to sign an extension since July 1, but both sides have taken a patient and cautious approach. The strategy appears designed to avoid unnecessary pressure and give McDavid the space needed to reset after another grueling playoff run.
While the financial details remain under wraps, McDavid’s core motivation has not changed — winning is everything. After another 100-point season and leading the playoffs in scoring with 33 points, he has been clear that his long-term commitment depends on the Oilers’ ability to remain a legitimate contender.
“Winning would be at the top of the list,” McDavid said earlier this summer. “If I feel there’s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem.”
That comment carries significant weight, especially following back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses to the Florida Panthers. Edmonton’s challenge is to prove to their captain that they can finally get over the hump.
The offseason departures of Evander Kane and Corey Perry only add more importance to how the supporting cast performs around McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
What Could a Connor McDavid Extension Look Like?
Meanwhile, speculation over the potential contract numbers has been running wild. McDavid’s current deal carries a $12.5 million cap hit, but most analysts believe his next contract will shatter the league’s existing benchmarks.
His teammate Leon Draisaitl recently signed a new contract for $14 million annually, and it’s widely expected that McDavid will aim even higher. Some projections suggest he could sign a shorter deal in the $16 million to $17.5 million range, while a maximum-term extension could potentially approach $20 million per season.
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Whatever the final structure, the consensus is that McDavid is poised to become the NHL’s highest-paid player. For the Oilers, the main goal is simple: lock in their franchise cornerstone before the season begins and put an end to any questions about his future.
For now, all signs point to significant progress in the coming weeks. If Friedman’s timeline is accurate, Oilers fans could see an official announcement before training camp opens, finally ending the suspense surrounding Connor McDavid’s next mega-deal.
