Connor McDavid’s Biggest Reason for Hesitation in Oilers Contract Talks Revealed

“His biggest point of reticence, per league sources, remains an aging roster, which he believes can contend again in 2025-26 but which doesn’t look to be constructed to sustain a championship level over the long term,” Johnston wrote.

That detail marks the first time McDavid’s concerns have been tied directly to roster age rather than the lack of talent present in Edmonton's lineup.

The Oilers captain left the door open to all options in June, following Edmonton's second consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final, and the second time in a row losing to the Florida Panthers.

“If I feel that there’s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem,” McDavid said then.

The 28-year-old has already earned more than $100 million in total money through different contracts, has won five scoring titles, three Hart Trophies, a Conn Smythe Trophy, and is coming off back-to-back trips to the finals.

Johnston added that McDavid is “not chasing a specific number” on his next deal in terms of financials and is open to any term length, whether short or long.

One agent quoted in Johnston's story told him that “no one would bat an eye if he took two years at $15 million,” implying that McDavid isn't necessarily chasing a max-money type of deal.

McDavid last spoke on September 5, when he said he would not rush his decision and that he’s open to all sorts of outcomes.

“All options are on the table, and that would mean length of term—short term, long term, no term,” McDavid said. “All options are on the table as I’ve alluded to, so that would include a short-term deal.”