The Edmonton Oilers didn't open up their 2025-26 season with a win like fans would have hoped, falling 4-3 in a shootout to the rival Calgary Flames. But it's hard not to feel positive as an Oilers fans. That's because earlier in the week, Connor McDavid decided to forego free agency next summer and instead sign a short-term contract extension. The even better news for Oilers fans was that McDavid took a discount. The contract came out to two-years, $25 million.
McDavid said that he took this deal because he wanted to win, and he wanted it to be with the Oilers. So by taking this discount, McDavid is allowing the Oilers to add to their roster to help them win a Stanley Cup.
Before the Toronto Maple Leafs' season-opener on Wednesday night, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was asked about McDavid's deal, and he commended the superstar.
Gary Bettman commends Connor McDavid for team-friendly contract with Oilers
"It's a testament to Connor's passion for the game and his commitment to Edmonton," Bettman said, h/t Sportsnet. "And if I were an Oilers fan, I'd be excited. And if I were his teammate, I'd be thrilled to know that the team is going to have some more flexibility."
The Oilers fell short of winning their first Stanley Cup for the past two seasons, both at the hands of the Florida Panthers. Entering this season without a deal, it was basically the Oilers' last chance at the window being open, especially if McDavid decided to hit free agency next summer and sign with another team. But McDavid has propped said window open by an additional two years and gives the Oilers enough flexibility to make moves to improve the roster.
General manager Stan Bowman hasn't wasted much time. Immediately after the McDavid deal was reported, the Oilers re-signed defenseman Jake Walman to a seven-year, $49 million contract extension. Later, they inked defenseman Mattias Ekholm to a three-year, $12 million extension. Then, on Wednesday night, the Oilers signed free agent forward Jack Roslovic to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.
What will be interesting is how the Oilers will tackle the trade deadline. This team is considered one of the favorites to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Final. Considering they don't have to pay McDavid "Kirill Kaprizov money" every year, they can bring in some big pieces to help them out, whether it's this season or beyond.
The Oilers are the big winners entering the season, and Bettman made sure it hadn't gone unnoticed.