Elliotte Friedman Predicts When Connor McDavid’s Oilers Extension Gets Done

Oilers Make Connor McDavid Their No. 1 Priority

As things stand, McDavid, 28, has one year remaining on the eight-year, $100 million deal he signed with the Oilers in 2017.

McDavid has been eligible to sign an extension since July 1, but both sides have taken a deliberate approach to take it with as much pause and caution as possible, giving each other as much time as needed.

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has repeatedly called McDavid the club’s “top priority” while acknowledging the franchise is operating under McDavid's timeline of preference.

“Connor’s the best player in the League, the most important player in the League, he’s our captain, he’s our leader, and certainly he’s a No. 1 priority,” Bowman said at the end of June. “I think listening to Connor’s take on things, he’s earned the right for us to be respectful of his time.”

A Window for Connor McDavid's Contract Resolution

McDavid emphasized earlier this summer that his commitment to Edmonton would depend on the franchise’s ability to compete for the Stanley Cup.

“Winning would be at the top of the list,” McDavid said after the Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers. “If I feel there’s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem.”

The timing for the extension laid out by Friedman aligns with prior reports from other insiders, who have noted Edmonton’s intent to finalize a deal once McDavid is back in town.

Coming off another 100-point season and a second straight trip to the finals, McDavid’s next deal will likely reshape the NHL’s salary landscape.

If Friedman's timeline is correct, it might be announced between Aug. 28 (end of Canada's camp) and the first days of September, when the Oilers camp should start ahead of their preseason games.