Oilers’ Outlook Draws Interesting Comparison Amid Connor McDavid Uncertainty

“The outset of this summer feels less precarious for the organization than the last one did,” Johnston wrote. “A year ago, the Oilers entered the offseason needing to extend Leon Draisaitl or look at trading him, because they were unwilling to let him play out the final year of his deal and potentially walk directly to free agency in 2025.”

It's possible that McDavid follows Draisaitl's path and ultimately signs an extension right before the season.

That, however, doesn't seem close to happening at this point. McDavid confirmed he’s not rushing to sign and that he will take as much time as needed.

“I’m not in a rush to make any decision, so I don’t think there needs to be any timeline,” McDavid said. “But of course there’s unfinished business here.”

The Oilers have made back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, and keeping McDavid long-term remains the priority. The center will be eligible to sign an extension on July 1, and his contract will expire exactly a year after that date in the summer of 2026.