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NHL Insider Chris Johnston Shares Concerning Update on Connor McDavid's Contract Extension Timeline

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Tom Banks | Last updated Aug 28, 2025 5:58 PM ET

Connor McDavid is expected to sign a new deal with the Oilers soon, but according to TSN's Chris Johnston, that may not come before the regular season.

The future of Connor McDavid has been a talking point all summer long, and while we've had plenty of speculation and comments from Insiders, the Oilers CEO and the captain himself, as of right now, we've not heard any talk of an extension incoming.

Even after McDavid stating that he wants to win in Edmonton, there's no expectation of a deal getting done soon, although many around the league expected a short-term extension to get done before the regular season begins.

Chris Johnston suggests a new deal may not get done before the regular season

Now, TSN's Chris Johnston has given an update on the situation, and it's not one that Oilers fans would want to hear, especially after the Leon Draisaitl negotiations dragged on late in the off-season in 2024.

If you had to pin me down, my guess is the season will start without him signing an extension.

While Johnston doesn't know for certain, his latest prediction is that McDavid will start next year without a contract, and while that's not major cause for concern given his tight knit relationship with Jeff Jackson, the longer it goes on, the more Oilers fans will grow with concern.

At this point in time, people around the league would be shocked if McDavid left the Oilers as a free agent in the summer of 2026, so while a deal may not get done ahead of the regular season, until someone suggests otherwise, the captain is set to remain an Oiler for some time to come.

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

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