Overview

• McDavid has entered the final year of his eight-year, $100 million contract and can hit unrestricted free agency on July 1, 2026, if he remains unsigned.
• NHL insider Frank Seravalli says no formal proposals have been exchanged and that McDavid is dictating the timing of extension talks.
• Insiders predict a likely four-year deal with an annual average value between $16 million and $17.5 million.
• Edmonton’s offseason roster moves have created projected cap space of nearly $45 million next summer to accommodate a top-line offer.
• Should negotiations stall, big-market teams such as the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks could pursue McDavid in 2026 free agency.