Oilers Face Critical Deadline to Extend Connor McDavid or Risk Him Walking

“All options are on the table and that would mean length of term, short-term, long-term, no-term,” McDavid told reporters. “All options are on the table as I’ve alluded to, so that would include a short-term deal.”

McDavid is entering the final year of his eight-year, $100 million contract that he signed in 2017. His annual current cap hit is $12.5 million. He can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2026.

It’s Not About the Money

McDavid’s noncommittal stance is challenging Oilers general manager Stan Bowman to reshape the roster into one that is constructed to go toe-to-toe with the NHL’s powerhouses for years to come.

It’s not so much “show him the money” as it is that Edmonton needs to prove to him that they can build a roster that is equipped to make several Stanley Cup runs over the length of his next contract.

Although the Oilers reached last season’s Stanley Cup Final, McDavid is understood to be unconvinced about Edmonton’s long-term competitive future. Should he reach unrestricted free agency next summer, he’ll be able to choose the destination that offers him the best opportunity to compete for future Stanley Cup championships.

McDavid's Next Contract Will Be Based on Future Stanley Cup Opportunities

McDavid will turn 29 on Jan. 13. He realizes that he only has so many prime years of his career remaining. The Oilers could present him with a blank check and ask him to write down any number that he desires – but that’s not what he’s after.

If he reaches free agency next July, he won’t be chasing after the highest AAV contract. Instead, he’ll be lining up meetings with delegations from around the league before ultimately signing for the team that gives him the best opportunity to win.

The three-time Hart Trophy winner will carefully weigh factors like potential linemates, roster construction and the coaching staff over simply which club offers the most dough.

At the End of the Day, It’s His Career and He Controls the Process

McDavid holds all the power cards regarding his next contract. He’s not in any hurry to put pen to paper on a fresh extension if Edmonton doesn’t meet his criteria.

The five-time Art Ross Trophy winner could let the season play out and examine how Bowman approaches the Mar. 6, 2026 NHL trade deadline. If Bowman fails to surround McDavid with the pieces needed to make a run at the Stanley Cup in 2026 and beyond, it will only be a matter of time before he’s playing his hockey elsewhere.

If McDavid really believes in the Oilers’ future, the ink would already be dry on his extension — and all the contract drama wouldn’t be occurring on the eve of the new season. That's because he's leaving the door open for an exit.