Connor McDavid’s next contract may become one of the most complicated negotiations in recent NHL history. According to Eliotte Friedman, the Edmonton Oilers captain is determined to strike a balance between keeping his team competitive and meeting expectations from the NHL Players’ Association.
Reports indicate that McDavid may not sign an extension before the start of the regular season, a possibility that has left Oilers fans uneasy. While the organization remains confident a deal will eventually get done, the timing seems to show just how delicate these talks have become.
On the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman suggested that McDavid’s frustration is tied directly to losing back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals.
“When someone asks me what this is all about, it’s two losses in a row in the Finals, and he can’t freakin stand it. It makes him crazy,” Friedman said.
McDavid has been vocal in prioritizing winning over maximizing his personal earnings. In a hard-cap system, taking every dollar available could hinder Edmonton’s ability to build a strong supporting cast. Sources close to the situation suggest McDavid is willing to sacrifice some salary to ensure the Oilers have the best chance to compete for a Stanley Cup.
The tension is obvious. No player in the salary-cap era has won a Cup while carrying a contract over $10 million per year. Edmonton already has three players above that mark with Darnell Nurse just below it.
Connor McDavid has a tough choice to make with the big picture in mind
If McDavid chases maximum dollars, the Oilers’ cap situation could get even tighter. If he takes less, it could give management room to patch holes on defense and in goal, two areas still under scrutiny.
There is also the possibility, as Friedman hinted, that McDavid’s frustration isn’t directed outward at all. Some around the league wonder if he blames himself for not finishing the job despite producing at an elite level. His own push to score more this season suggests he feels there is another gear to reach.
“I don't think this number is gonna be a backbreaker...because McDavid knows he can't say I want a championship team around me and then take a number that makes it impossible,” Friedman said.
This creates a push-and-pull dynamic. While McDavid’s instinct is to leave money on the table for the sake of winning, the NHLPA would prefer its most marketable superstar to maximize his value raising the bar for everyone else.
The challenge lies in the broader impact of his decision. McDavid’s contract will not only define the Oilers’ immediate future but also set the standard for stars across the league. With the salary cap climbing, his number could influence negotiations for players such as Jack Eichel and Kirill Kaprizov who are watching closely as they consider their own long term deals.