EDMONTON — Connor McDavid isn’t ready to make a long-term commitment to the Edmonton Oilers just yet.
With one year left on his current deal, the Oilers’ captain could become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2026. Just two days after Edmonton’s second straight Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers, McDavid addressed his future, saying he needs time before making any decisions beyond the 2025-26 season.
“It’s only been a couple of days since the season ended. I need to regroup,” McDavid said Thursday. “I’ll talk with my agent and my family when the time is right. There’s no urgency right now.”
McDavid, 28, becomes eligible to sign a new contract on July 1. Edmonton fans hope he’ll follow teammate Leon Draisaitl’s lead and agree to a long-term extension. Draisaitl signed an eight-year, $112 million deal ($14 million AAV) on September 3, 2024, which kicks in this upcoming season.
“I haven’t talked to Connor about it yet,” Draisaitl said Thursday. “Eventually we will. But it’s his decision, and he’ll do what’s best for him and his family. Of course, I want him here forever, like everyone else. But there’s nothing more I can add right now.”
McDavid’s current contract, an eight-year, $100 million deal ($12.5 million AAV), was signed on July 5, 2017. His next contract is expected to make him the NHL’s highest-paid player.
“I know people are circling July 1, but there’s no timeline for me,” McDavid said. “I’m just not in a rush.”
He tallied 33 points (7 goals, 26 assists) in 22 playoff games this spring as the Oilers fell 5-1 to Florida in Game 6 of the Cup Final. It was the second consecutive season the Panthers eliminated Edmonton in the Final, following a 2-1 Game 7 loss in 2024.
In the regular season, McDavid recorded 100 points (26 goals, 74 assists) in 67 games. Over 10 NHL seasons, all with Edmonton, he has amassed 1,082 points (361 goals, 721 assists) in 712 games.
He’s won numerous individual honors, including the Hart Trophy three times (2017, 2021, 2023), the Ted Lindsay Award four times (2017, 2018, 2021, 2023), and five Art Ross Trophies (2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023). The Stanley Cup, however, remains elusive—and could influence his next decision.
“Winning is at the top of the list,” McDavid said. “If I believe this team can win consistently, signing a new deal isn’t a problem.”
Edmonton’s core includes not only McDavid and Draisaitl, but also Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and defensemen Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, and Mattias Ekholm. This group has been eliminated four straight years by the eventual Stanley Cup champions: Colorado in 2022, Vegas in 2023, and Florida in both 2024 and 2025.
“We’ve been building toward this moment for a while,” McDavid said. “We’ve gone through a lot together—disappointments, hard work, good times. We’re all trying to finish the job. Still, I have to prioritize what’s best for me and my family. But yes, there’s definitely unfinished business here.”
Until McDavid signs, there will be uncertainty in Edmonton about potentially losing one of the NHL’s all-time greats. He became the fourth-fastest player in league history to reach 1,000 points, doing so in his 659th game—behind only Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Mike Bossy.
To fans, McDavid offered a message of hope.
“Be patient. Keep believing,” he said. “Fans have been through a lot—just like we have. It’s emotionally draining. I see what these playoff runs do to my family. It’s tough on everyone. But when the time comes and we get over the hump, it’ll be worth it.”
For now, McDavid says his focus is strictly on the 2025 season.
“I think we’re set up to be really good again next year,” he said. “Beyond that? I’m not thinking that far ahead. It’s all about next season.”
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