Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Insider Shares Timely New Info on Connor McDavid's Future With Oilers

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Aaron Itovitch | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 9:56 AM ET

Elliotte Friedman has shared the latest update on Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid's contract situation.

McDavid, who has been to two straight Stanley Cup Finals with the Oilers, is considered to be the best player in the NHL, and as he looks for his next contract, it is sure to be a rich one.

Teammate Leon Draisaitl will become the NHL's highest paid player as of the beginning of the 2025-26 season, with his eight-year $112 million deal kicking in this year ($14 million annually).

Evan Bouchard, who recently signed his new contract, will become among the top-paid defensemen in the NHL, with his four-year $42 million deal minted amid an offer sheet threat from the Carolina Hurricanes.

With these two deals in mind, McDavid's contract will surely be trailblazing, and per Elliotte Friedman, there won't be too much of a negotiation at all:

This is not one I'm worried about, I think he extends, I just don't know what the term of that is going to be; there will be no fight, 'what do you want, fine'

McDavid's earned the right to demand essentially whatever he would like. With the NHL salary cap projected to be $103.5 million next season, the maximum salary he could receive would be $20.7 million (20% of the salary cap), but having taken a reported $6 million discount on his last contract, it is likely he will look to keep the Oilers competitive and sign cheaper.

McDavid remains haunted by these two past Stanley Cup finals, but on a team with so much star power, Edmonton won't be out of contention for quite a while.

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

More must-reads: