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NHL Insider Chris Johnston Provides Worrisome Update on Connor McDavid's Contract Talks

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 2:29 PM ET

NHL insider Chris Johnston revealed recently that the Oilers and Connor McDavid have had absolutely no discussions at all on a possible contract extension.

As speculation already begins to intensify regarding Connor McDavid's future, a recent report gives us some significant updates on his contract situation with the Edmonton Oilers, and it's not good.

Connor McDavid is set to be a free agent after the 2025-26 season, and after the Oilers once again fell short in the Stanley Cup Final, once again to the Florida Panthers, questions regarding his long-term future are more vocal than ever.

The Maple Leafs are listed as potential frontrunners for Connor McDavid

A number of teams have been listed as being in contention for the superstar forward, with the Toronto Maple Leafs emerging as a front-runner to potentially pair McDavid with Auston Matthews.

Some of the other teams rumored to be in the mix are the Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, and even the Vegas Golden Knights.

Some are comparing a potential McDavid departure to marquee free agency moments in other leagues, like LeBron James' exit from Cleveland or Tom Brady's from New England.

Eligible to ink an extension, NHL insider Chris Johnston reports there have been no talks to date between the Oilers and McDavid. That silence has only fueled the speculation and added panic to Oiler Nation.

'To my knowledge there's been no discussions about an extension yet.'
- Chris Johnston

According to the report, McDavid will have all the leverage in deciding his fate, whether that's signing in Edmonton or testing the market.

There is, however, still reason for Oilers fans to be hopeful, as McDavid hasn't specifically ever said he wants to test the market and has expressed interest in remaining in Edmonton.

If he chooses to remain an Oiler, the biggest question will be just how massive his next contract will be, and it's going to make him the highest-paid player in NHL history.

But more than money, McDavid's decision will boil down to whether Edmonton, or any other team, offers him the best chance to win a Stanley Cup.

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

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