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Elliotte Friedman Hints at Massive Shift Coming for Connor McDavid

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 10:39 AM ET

Connor McDavid is set to get paid in free agency, and unsurprisingly, Elliotte Friedman believes it could be one of the highest AAV ever given out by an NHL team.

While the Edmonton Oilers fell just short in their second straight trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, Connor McDavid was once again brilliant throughout the post-season, showing everyone in the world why he's a generational talent and the best player in the NHL right now.

He's been with the Oilers for his entire career thus far, and in 2026, he's officially a free agent, and while he may not depart Edmonton as a free agent, he's set to get paid no matter what happens.

Most fans are aware that his contract could be record breaking, and in his latest comments, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reveals just how much we could be looking at on an annual basis for Connor.

It's going to be at a massive number (15? 16? 17?)

With the salary cap rising, Friedman has revealed the deal could go as high as $17 million on his next deal, and given that his teammate just signed a deal for $14 million per season in 2024, it's safe to say that this would be very fair for the best player in the league.

If he heads to free agency, there's a chance that McDavid's deal could even surpass these massive numbers, but for now, it's on the Oilers to put a team around him that can win, and if they can do that, don't be surprised if he re-signs before free agency next year with a salary cap hit of $16 million a year or more.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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