The Edmonton Oilers’ celebrated player, Connor McDavid, is positioned to potentially become one of the most sought-after unrestricted free agents in the history of the National Hockey League, should he reach the open market the following summer. In his initial address to the media since Edmonton’s defeat by the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final this past June, McDavid engaged with reporters at Canada’s Olympic orientation camp held in Calgary this Wednesday. He reiterated his stance of approaching contract extension discussions with careful consideration and without haste.
“As I communicated back in June, my intention remains to dedicate ample time to this process, and that perspective hasn’t shifted,” McDavid articulated. “I plan to thoroughly evaluate all aspects.”
McDavid further conveyed his unwavering commitment to assisting the Oilers in securing postseason triumph, despite the team’s near misses in the Stanley Cup Final during the preceding two seasons.
“My dedication to achieving victory in Edmonton remains absolute, and that ambition is second only to my aspiration of earning a gold medal representing Canada. I intend to proceed deliberately, engaging in thorough discussions with my family, my agent, and all relevant parties,” McDavid affirmed.
According to Ryan Rishaug of TSN, substantive negotiations between the two parties have yet to commence. McDavid, along with his agent, Judd Moldaver, are actively evaluating their alternatives and formulating a framework for a prospective agreement.
McDavid is on the cusp of entering the final year of his existing eight-year contract, valued at $100 million, which was formalized in July 2017. With his current annual salary standing at $12.5 million, it is widely anticipated that McDavid will ascend the ranks to become the NHL’s highest-compensated player, irrespective of the team he ultimately commits to.
Throughout the 2024-25 regular season, McDavid amassed a total of 100 points, placing him sixth overall in the league standings, with 26 goals and 74 assists to his credit. Additionally, McDavid shared the team lead in points during the Stanley Cup Playoffs with teammate Leon Draisaitl, both registering 33 points.
McDavid is poised to rejoin an Oilers roster that has undergone certain noteworthy adjustments during the offseason period. Veteran forwards Evander Kane and Corey Perry have both departed, while the team has successfully signed Andrew Mangiapane, formerly of the Washington Capitals, to a two-year contract. Furthermore, they have acquired Isaac Howard, an alumnus of Michigan State, through a trade arrangement with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
