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Oilers' Connor McDavid Free Agent Rumors Given Encouraging Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 5:12 PM ET

As the Edmonton Oilers move forward this offseason, the front office is preparing for the summer of 2026. Star Connor McDavid is scheduled to be a free agent next offseason, and there have already been multiple rumors around him potentially leaving.

Following another loss in the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers will need to prove to McDavid that they can get over the hump. All the star cares about is winning at the highest level, and the Oilers will need to convince him of it.

Some around the league have been skeptical about McDavid leaving, while others believe he will at least entertain the idea. And once a player hits the open market, anything can happen.

But a new update on the McDavid situation should ease the minds of the fans in Edmonton, at least for now.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Oilers shouldn't be too worried about retaining McDavid. Friedman doesn't believe that there will be a big fight over contract details, and that the Oilers will do whatever they can to keep him in town.

Elliotte Friedman: Re Connor McDavid: 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" - 32 Thoughts Podcast
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 13, 2025

Edmonton has surrounded McDavid with all sorts of talent, and they have made two straight Stanley Cup Finals. But this team hasn't been able to get the job done, and McDavid could elect to look elsewhere.

If he does hit the open market, there will be no shortage of suitors trying to land him. McDavid is the best player in the NHL, and he is seen as one of the greatest to ever step foot on the ice.

The Oilers have the inside track to retain McDavid, and they will use this upcoming season to prove to him that he should stay. But free agency can be very fluid, and there is always a chance that McDavid could walk out the door for nothing.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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