What a way for the Edmonton Oilers to end the preseason. On Monday, the hockey world was stunned to find out that superstar Connor McDavid let the Oilers know that he wanted to remain in Edmonton. While McDavid wanting to stay may not have been shocking, it was the deal that he accepted that really dropped jaws. McDavid and the Oilers agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension, worth $12.5 million per year.
While that is still a lot of money, McDavid could have easily eclipsed $20 million per season if he hit free agency next summer. This showed the NHL that McDavid was dead-set on winning a Stanley Cup with the Oilers, providing them with some space to make some moves to help that goal become a reality.
On Tuesday, McDavid spoke to reporters for the first time since signing his contract extension. McDavid said that this deal was all about winning.
"It's about winning. This gives both sides what they want."
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 7, 2025
Connor McDavid on signing his two-year, $25 million extension with the Oilers. pic.twitter.com/8Bl7NJFcA9
"Obviously I said I was committed to winning here, and I meant that," said McDavid. "Two years makes a lot of sense. Gives us a chance to continue chasing down what we've been chasing down here with the core guys that have been here. A little bit of money to work with, too. I think the deal makes sense for both sides."
Connor McDavid confirms team-friendly deal with Oilers was all about winning
The details confirmed what fans already expected — that McDavid left money on the table to give the Oilers and general manager Stan Bowman more money to work with to help build a Stanley Cup championship roster.
The Oilers haven't hoisted the Stanley Cup since 1990. They came close to ending the drought in each of the last two seasons. The problem is that they ran into the Florida Panthers each time. In 2023, the Oilers overcame a 3-0 deficit to force a Game 7, only to lose. Last year wasn't nearly as close, as the Panthers looked rejuvenated after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round, while the Oilers ran out of gas by the time the Stanley Cup Finals arrived.
Before this new contract, the Oilers had just one season to keep the championship contention window open. But now, that window is propped open until 2028. This give the Oilers a bit more leeway as to how to attack free agency and the trade block to build the best roster possible. That's all thanks to McDavid, who woke up on Monday deciding that he wanted tos tay in Edmonton for a bit longer.
Now, McDavid has inadvertently put pressure on other stars who have yet to win a Stanley Cup to follow the same method. Time will tell if other stars opt to follow the "McDavid method."