Alright, hockey faithful, grab your double-doubles because we’re diving deep into the biggest storyline simmering under the late-summer sun: Connor McDavid’s contract negotiations with the Edmonton Oilers. If you’re like me, you’ve been refreshing your news feeds more often than a goalie checking his five-hole. The anxiety is palpable for some, but I’m here to tell you, take a deep breath.
The Elephant in the Room: Still No Ink on Paper
As we barrel towards the end of August 2025, with the crisp air of training camp just around the corner, Captain Connor still hasn’t put pen to paper on that shiny new extension. Now, before anyone starts hitting the panic button and envisioning him in a Bolts jersey, let’s get some perspective.
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Elliotte Friedman, the oracle of NHL insiders, suggests a clear window for a deal to get done. He’s pointing to the period right after Team Canada’s Olympic Camp (August 26-28) and before the Oilers’ main training camp kicks off. “At the start of camp” is what he’s eyeing. And frankly, that makes a lot of sense. You don’t want this hanging over the team as they prepare for another grueling season.
Even Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson, a man who knows McDavid better than most, isn’t breaking a sweat. He’s confidently stated it’s “not going to be a long negotiation.” That’s high praise from someone who previously represented the man himself. And let’s not forget the juicy whisper from the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast, hinting at a September 3rd agreement – a date that holds some significance, apparently, as it’s when Leon Draisaitl inked his big deal last year. Synchronicity, perhaps?
“He Loves the City”: More Than Just a Slogan
If there’s one recurring theme that should soothe the nerves of Oilers fans, it’s McDavid’s unwavering commitment to Edmonton. Jackson, again, is the key voice here, emphasizing that McDavid “loves the city, loves playing for this team.” This isn’t just PR fluff; it’s a sentiment echoed by McDavid himself over the years.
Think about it: would this relaxed atmosphere truly exist if the Oilers were still languishing at the bottom of the standings? Absolutely not. But with back-to-back deep playoff runs and a roster that’s undeniably elite, McDavid believes in the direction of this franchise. He trusts the staff, he trusts ownership, and that trust is a powerful currency in these high-stakes negotiations.
Jackson even drew a comparison to Draisaitl’s extension. While there was public chatter about Drai’s future, Jackson privately felt confident. With McDavid, he’s saying this negotiation will be different – “When Connor is ready, we’ll have the discussion and get a deal done.” That speaks volumes about the relationship and the mutual respect. There’s no drama here, folks, just a superstar and a franchise aligned on their goals.
The Money Talks: What Will Hockey’s Best Command?
This is where the rubber meets the road, where the spreadsheets come out, and where Connor McDavid truly sets himself apart. He’s got one year left on his current, still-team-friendly $12.5 million AAV deal. Come next offseason, he’d be an unrestricted free agent, and frankly, the thought of that alone is enough to give any GM night sweats.
The “real question isn’t if the extension will get worked out, but when and for how much annually.” And let’s be honest, he’s earned every penny. Last season, McDavid casually put up 26 goals and 100 points in just 67 games. Oh, and then he led the playoffs with a ridiculous 33 points. The man is a cheat code. He’s going to demand, and get, the highest annual salary in the league.
Currently, his buddy Leon Draisaitl holds that crown with his new $14 million AAV over eight years. But McDavid isn’t just a superstar; he’s the superstar. Projections for his new deal are eye-watering:
- Shorter Term (3-4 years): We’re looking at an AAV in the range of $16 million to $17.5 million. The 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast specifically threw out a 3-4 year deal at $16 million AAV. This would give him flexibility as the salary cap continues to explode.
- Long-Term (8 years): This is where it gets truly wild. An eight-year deal could push that AAV closer to a staggering $20 million annually.
With the salary cap expected to rise significantly in the coming seasons, McDavid’s next contract isn’t just a big deal for him; it’s a new precedent for player salaries across the NHL. He’s going to be the highest-paid player, full stop. Even if Kirill Kaprizov gets his deal done first, McDavid will likely surpass him. He’s also earned full trade protection – a no-brainer for a player of his caliber.
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Whispers from the Peanut Gallery: Where Do We Go From Here?
While the smart money is on McDavid staying in Edmonton for the long haul, you always get those armchair GMs speculating. “What if they don’t win the Cup?” is the usual refrain. And then come the fantasy destinations: Tampa Bay, Dallas, Montreal (dream on, Habs fans), Vegas, Los Angeles.
Some even suggest a shorter, 1-2 year contract to “assess the team’s championship prospects” before committing long-term. Honestly, I find this unlikely. McDavid has been the epitome of loyalty and belief in the Oilers’ project. He’s invested too much, and the team is too good, for him to essentially put them on a short leash.
The reality is, the Oilers are a legitimate contender. They’ve built a strong core around him, and he’s happy. The “if he doesn’t win a Cup, he’s gone” narrative feels like outdated thinking from a few years ago. This isn’t a struggling franchise anymore; it’s a perennial playoff team with aspirations of lifting the ultimate prize.
The Verdict: Patience is a Virtue
So, what’s the takeaway, hockey fanatics? The wait for McDavid’s new deal might feel agonizing, but all signs point to a positive outcome. The trust is there, the commitment is there, and the market dictates he’s going to get paid handsomely. It’s not a question of if he signs, but when and for how much.
My money’s on Friedman’s timeline: a deal will materialize after Olympic Camp and before training camp truly heats up. And when it does, it’ll send shockwaves through the league, setting a new benchmark for superstar compensation. Until then, keep an eye on those Oilers updates, but don’t lose any sleep over it. The Connor McDavid era in Edmonton is far from over.
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