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Oilers Make First Move in Connor McDavid Contract Extension Talks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 6:32 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers are about to enter the most critical 12 months in franchise history since Wayne Gretzky was a member of the organization for the last time back in the 1980s.

Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, who just finished his tenth season in the NHL — all of them with Edmonton — is entering the final seasons of his eight-year, $100 million deal and will be eligible to sign an extension on July 1.

Although McDavid made clear he wont' rush any decision, it looks like contract discussions between the player and the organization have already begun, only without numbers on the table.

As TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported on Tuesday, Oilers executives Stan Bowman and Jeff Jackson traveled to Ontario to meet with McDavid’s agent, Judd Moldaver, to open dialogue about the future of the franchise.

Sounds like Stan Bowman and Jeff Jackson are in Ontario, and meetings have begun with McDavids agent Judd Moldaver. Broader discussions about the organization and direction are the starting point. Again, would expect this to push well past July 1st as the two sides take their…
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) June 25, 2025

“Sounds like Stan Bowman and Jeff Jackson are in Ontario, and meetings have begun with McDavid’s agent Judd Moldaver,” Rishaug reported on X. “Broader discussions about the organization and direction are the starting point.”

Despite the timing and given the early nature of the talks, Rishaug emphasized that "his sense" is that "there are no numbers being tossed around at this point."

The insider also believes that negotiations will likely stretch well past July 1 as both sides take their time.

Rishaugh's beliefs align with the comments made by both Bowman and McDavid during their final press conferences of the season.

Bowman called the extension the Oilers’ “top priority” but said the team would give McDavid space to process another painful Stanley Cup Final defeat.

McDavid, for his part, completely ruled out making a rushed decision.

“There’s no rush,” he told reporters. “Winning would be at the top of the list. If I feel there’s a good window to win here, over and over again, then signing is no problem.”

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

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