The Edmonton Oilers have been able to sign their star forward and captain, Connor McDavid to a contract extension since July 1st, 2025. Nearing the end of the summer, there has been no ink put to paper and it looks like a real possibility that the two sides may not come to an agreement before the season starts.
This would cause anxiety to run very high in the capital of Alberta as the Oilers look to make a run at a third straight Stanley Cup Finals, this time hopefully coming away victorious. It would be quite the distraction however, if their best player and captain was playing all this time without a new contract in place as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) on July 1st, 2026.
As you can imagine, tensions are high within the fanbase as all other 31 teams fans are playing armchair GM and imagining their team pursuing the NHL superstar. Amidst all of the rumors and speculation surrounding the Oilers star captain, Connor McDavid and his extension talks with the club, we finally hear from the man himself.
Doing a media availability as Team Canada ends it's orientation camp -- where four Oilers players were invited -- for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. McDavid of course was sent to take questions along with other National Hockey League (NHL) stars; Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers), and Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins).
Connor McDavid on his extension
It was at this media availability that he was immediately asked about his extension that is currently hanging in the air and with not much clarity. There has been plenty of rumors about the length, dollar figure, and timeline of an extension but nothing concrete -- until now.
Oilers beat reporter, Ryan Rishaug asked McDavid about his contract extension talks. Specifically asking about the timeline and if he is "optimistic that a deal gets done before the season starts". McDavid replied "I said at the end of June I had every intention to take my time with it and I still feel the same way". Though to some this may cause anxiety, this could easily be a normal negotiation tactic -- not showing your hand and forcing a public deadline.
The Oilers captain reiterated his dedication and devotion to this team "I have every intention to win in Edmonton". There has never been anything to suggest otherwise, his last contract extension was for a max-term, eight-year deal. Even if this contract is for less term, this should not alarm fans, the NHL salary cap has been skyrocketing, it is good business for players to bet on themselves and sign shorter term deals to maximize earnings.
Rishaug restated his question, saying; "Is it an option for you to go into the season without something done?". McDavid replied "I'd say all options are on the table, I don't have a preference either way". Again, this could be a negotiation, so as to not tip his hand. McDavid said he wants to "...take my time with it".
Hopefully, the deal can be done in short order but fans should not worry too much, there is plenty of time between now and puck drop for opening night and the deal can still be worked on. Even if he were to decide to test the free agent market, there is nothing that would stop him from re-signing with the Oilers anyways.