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Insider Predicts What Connor McDavid's Next Contract Could Look Like

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 10:36 AM ET

Insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that Connor McDavid could likely sign a short-term deal with the Oilers, and it could be a massive salary, hitting $17 million.

There are rumors of Connor McDavid's Edmonton future following another devastating playoff loss and some furrowed brows during his post-season media availability.

Despite all the hype, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believes there isn't a lot of real drama unfolding. On Friday's '32 Thoughts' podcast episode, Friedman made it clear that he doesn't see McDavid leaving Edmonton or looking for any drastic action.

McDavid, set to enter the last year of his eight-year, $100 million deal on July 1, will be technically eligible to sign an extension.

While fans crave closure, the Oilers captain has maintained he's not rushing anything and has promised to let it ride to weigh everything.

McDavid likely won't take the maximum $19 million AAV, but it will be close enough

Friedman referenced McDavid's past, how he left money on the table on his final contract in 2015, as a sign that the superstar is motivated by something besides money, however he does believe his next contract's AAV could be massive.

'Connor McDavid's next contract is going to be at a massive number (15? 16? 17?)'
- Elliotte Friedman

That winning is everything to him, and McDavid is still happy with where the team is headed, Friedman explained.

Interestingly, Friedman also brought up the possibility of McDavid inking a shorter-term deal extension, two or three years, say, instead of inking an iron-cast long-term deal right away. That would give him flexibility, but show commitment to Edmonton, too.

'I wonder if Connor McDavid goes short term on his next deal; 'a couple years...a few years'; 'this is purely my opinion'.
- Elliotte Friedman

Speaking in his latest media availability, McDavid expressed once more that staying with the Oilers is something in the cards, and he'd be comfortable signing an extension if the team is competitive.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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