BREAKING NEWS: Edmonton Oilers Superstar sign a contract Extension worth $13.33 million per season contract. Draisaitl’s deal of $14 million will kick in this coming season and that means McDavid will likely get more. However, the question is how much will he command. One wouldn’t blame with asking for up to $17 million. However, it doesn’t seem that he’ll demand that figure.

The NHL offseason is in full swing, and with it comes another round of rumours. While the action on the ice may be over, speculation is heating up. General managers have already been busy with trades and signings, but even bigger stories could unfold once free agency opens on July 1. That includes potential contract extensions for some of the league’s biggest stars — though not all deals are expected to come immediately.

One team facing a crucial decision is the Edmonton Oilers, who are hoping to lock in their franchise cornerstone. This edition of NHL rumours focuses on Connor McDavid, who becomes eligible for a contract extension on July 1.

All rumours cited are from original sources and subject to change.

McDavid Extension: The Latest

Rumour: On a recent episode of 32 Thoughts, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman shared insights on Connor McDavid’s comments during his end-of-season media availability. McDavid noted he’ll “wait and see” before deciding on signing a new deal, despite being eligible to extend starting July 1.

Analysis: While McDavid’s remarks may initially concern Oilers fans, Friedman emphasized that there’s no reason to panic. The Oilers waited until September 3 to finalize Leon Draisaitl’s current extension, and they may take a similar approach with McDavid.

Another factor is McDavid’s agent, Judd Moldaver, who also represents Auston Matthews. Matthews signed his latest deal in late August two summers ago, showing Moldaver’s preference for patience during negotiations.

McDavid himself has said he’s open to signing if the timing feels right. For now, the focus shifts to Oilers GM Stan Bowman, who faces several offseason tasks — including re-signing defenceman Evan Bouchard, a move that will eat into the team’s cap space.

What This Means for Edmonton

The big question now is McDavid’s next cap hit. He took a hometown discount with his last contract, settling at $12.5 million annually after initially agreeing to $13.33 million — well below the 20% cap max he could’ve asked for.

With Draisaitl’s new $14 million deal kicking in next season, McDavid will almost certainly command more. A figure as high as $17 million wouldn’t be outlandish, though it’s unclear if McDavid will go that far.

He may once again opt for a slightly lower number to help the team maintain roster flexibility. There’s also a chance he avoids the full eight-year term, especially with the NHL salary cap projected to continue rising. Like Matthews, McDavid could choose a shorter-term deal that gives him the option to reassess in a few years.

While fans shouldn’t be overly alarmed, the longer McDavid remains unsigned, the more speculation will swirl. Expect “McDavid Watch” to dominate headlines as one of the key stories of the summer.