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Oilers' Connor McDavid Speculation Continues After New Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 4:08 PM ET

The entire NHL is eyeing next offseason with Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid scheduled to become a free agent. If McDavid were to hit the open market, there would be no shortage of aggressive suitors to bring him in.

McDavid is regarded as one of the best players to ever play, and a massive bidding war would likely ensue. The Oilers currently have the upper hand in keeping McDavid around, but there have been all sorts of rumors around his free agency.

Some around the NHL believe that McDavid is keeping his options open before next summer. This had led to teams keeping a close eye on the entire situation.

NHL insider Chris Johnston spoke about the future of McDavid with the Oilers and dropped a new update on the matter. Johnston said that to his knowledge, the two sides hadn't engaged on any discussions around a new deal of yet.

Chris Johnston: Re Connor McDavid: To my knowledge there's been no discussions about an extension yet - Steve Dangle Podcast (Jul 15)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 18, 2025

McDavid may want to enter free agency next summer to see all his options, but this certainly is interesting. If he truly wanted to stay with the Oilers long-term, it would make sense for the two sides to at least start a dialogue on a new deal.

But the star player may want to wait and see how the Oilers play next season. If he feels that Edmonton isn't the best place to win, he will surely leave town.

However, there has been real skepticism about McDavid actually leaving the Oilers, especially after the success that the organization has seen in recent years. But whenever a player becomes a free agent, anything is possible, no matter the relationship between the two sides.

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

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