Overview
- Connor McDavid has not agreed to an extension and could reach unrestricted free agency in July 2026 if he plays out the season.
- Coach Kris Knoblauch is auditioning options for McDavid’s left wing, with newly signed Isaac Howard and newcomer Andrew Mangiapane pushing internal candidates, and the staff willing to elevate Leon Draisaitl or Ryan Nugent‑Hopkins if needed.
- Howard arrived after a trade of his rights from Tampa Bay and left Michigan State to sign with Edmonton, positioning the 21‑year‑old as a notable contender for the top‑line role.
- Goaltending remains under the microscope as Stuart Skinner enters a contract year with Calvin Pickard backing up, and management is prepared to pursue an in‑season upgrade if required, with a 2027 first‑round pick available.
- The urgency is heightened by an aging core despite back‑to‑back trips to the Stanley Cup Final, with hopes boosted by healthier versions of Zach Hyman and Mattias Ekholm and a planned youth injection up front.