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Oilers' Connor McDavid Sets Goals After $25 Million Extension

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 12:31 PM ET

Connor McDavid spoke publicly Tuesday for the first time since signing his new two-year, $25 million contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, revealing that the decision was about one thing.

As if it wasn't clear enough already before McDavid inked his extension after months of waiting and delaying his final decision, he acknowledged that everything in his mind has to do with winning the Stanley Cup.

The Oilers captain left millions on the table by agreeing to the same $12.5 million annual salary he has earned since 2018.

“I said I was committed to winning here and I meant that,” McDavid said. “Two years makes a lot of sense. It gives us a chance to continue chasing down what we’ve been chasing down with the core guys that have been here and have money to work with.”

"It's about winning. This gives both sides what they want."

Connor McDavid on signing his two-year, $25 million extension with the Oilers. pic.twitter.com/8Bl7NJFcA9
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 7, 2025

McDavid also explained that the two-year, short-term deal will give the Oilers some flexibility while adding pressure to deliver the Cup to Edmonton.

“I think everybody understands the situation in this room and the situation this organization is in,” McDavid said. “We want to win. If it lends urgency, that’s a good byproduct.”

The structure of the deal gives McDavid three more seasons under contract, keeping the team’s competitive window intact while avoiding distraction ahead of Wednesday’s season opener.

“I think not wanting to be a distraction plays a factor,” McDavid said. “It’s a lot for guys to have to come in here and answer questions for other guys, the coach to get asked about it, the GM to get asked about it every day. It’s nice to get it out of the way. Nobody has to talk about it anymore.”

Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) during a stoppage in play.Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said the discussions with McDavid were unlike a standard negotiation.

“I think it’s a great situation to be in,” Bowman said on Monday. “I like our group for this year, and getting off to a good start is important. We’re looking at that right now, and as we get into the season more and you start looking at the (trade) deadline and the offseason, then we certainly have more options than we would otherwise, and that’s fantastic.”

McDavid has emphasized that his focus remains entirely on finishing what the Oilers have started.

“It gives the core guys that have been here a really long time a chance to play that out,” he said. “Two years gives us every opportunity to build something here.”

Edmonton has lost back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals to the Florida Panthers, and McDavid’s decision should help the franchise enough to finally complete the task at hand.

The Oilers open the 2025–26 season on Wednesday at home against the Calgary Flames, with puck drop set for 10 p.m. ET.

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

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