Overview

• The Sporting News, citing Frank Seravalli, reports that if Connor McDavid starts the season without an extension, his decision could be pushed to the 2026 offseason.
• Elliotte Friedman said on 32 Thoughts that a new McDavid deal in Edmonton could come in lower than widely expected, a scenario NHL front offices are watching closely.
• A lower McDavid number is viewed as a potential market setter that could temper expectations for other top names, including Kirill Kaprizov, Jack Eichel and Kyle Connor.
• Friedman has also noted McDavid’s loyalty to the Oilers’ current core and suggested that preference could point to a shorter-term extension rather than a max-length deal.
• Reporting links the timing of major contracts to cap and escrow discussions, while separate RFA stalemates persist for Mason McTavish in Anaheim, Luke Evangelista in Nashville and Luke Hughes in New Jersey.