Overview

• Negotiations have not progressed beyond informal discussions, and neither the Oilers nor McDavid’s camp has shown any public sign of anxiety despite the absence of formal offers.
• NHL insiders project a two- to four-year deal in the $16-million to $17.5-million annual average range once formal proposals are tabled.
• McDavid retains strong leverage as the league’s top player and will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2026 if he remains unsigned.
• Edmonton’s current cap space sits at roughly $225,000, contrasting with an estimated $45 million of flexibility expected by next summer.
• If an agreement isn’t reached, teams in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto and Chicago are frequently cited as potential fallback suitors.