Overview

• Connor McDavid is poised to start the 2025–26 season as the final year of his eight-year, $12.5 million average annual value deal with Edmonton.
• The Oilers enter the offseason with roughly $12 million in cap space, 39 signed players and seven pending free agents.
• McDavid has publicly insisted on seeing a viable plan to win the Stanley Cup before committing to an extension.
• NHL insiders predict he may opt for a four- to five-year contract to preserve flexibility and revisit free agency in his early 30s.
• General manager Stan Bowman faces increasing pressure to present a sustainable championship strategy that secures McDavid’s long-term stay.