Connor McDavid is one of the biggest storylines in the NHL right now. After another Stanley Cup Final loss to Brad Marchand and the Florida Panthers, the lack of a supporting cast has sparked many rumors about his future with the Edmonton Oilers.

Despite the arrival of names like Andrew Mangiapane and Curtis Lazar, the number of departures is concerning, with key pieces like Evander Kane, Corey Perry, and Connor Brown having left.

Now, several reports have suggested that the Toronto Maple Leafs could have a chance to land McDavid starting in 2026 to pair him with Auston Matthews. However, another team might pull off a major surprise to form an impressive duo.

Is Connor McDavid a free agent?

Connor McDavid is not a free agent. He is still under contract with the Edmonton Oilers and is expected to remain with the team through at least the 2025–26 season. However, since he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency after that, there is growing speculation about his long-term future in Edmonton.

In this context, the Vegas Golden Knights have been rumored as a team that could make a bold move in 2026. With the NHL salary cap projected to rise significantly in the coming years, Vegas is expected to have the financial flexibility to offer a top-tier deal. They’ve already made moves to clear future cap space, and their aggressive front office has a history of going after big names.

However, signing McDavid wouldn’t be simple. He will command a massive salary, potentially of $18 million per season, which would make him the highest-paid player in NHL history.

Vegas would need to prioritize that kind of investment, manage the rest of their roster carefully, and outbid other major-market contenders like Toronto or the New York Rangers. But if McDavid tests free agency, Vegas is one of the few franchises with a competitive roster and ambition to make a serious run at him.

Will Golden Knights give Jack Eichel a contract extension ?

Jack Eichel is now eligible for a contract extension with the Vegas Golden Knights. However, Adam Gretz already suggested a very interesting scenario involving Connor McDavid.

“There is some added intrigue here because Vegas’ top player, Jack Eichel, is also set to enter the final year of his contract, while Mark Stone only has two years remaining on his deal. In other words: Vegas could potentially have a lot of money coming off the books in the near future, and it may need to land another superstar. Eichel is great. He helped Vegas win a Stanley Cup. But when has loyalty ever been a thing for the Golden Knights? This is the most cutthroat, win-at-all-costs organization in the NHL. If there is even a small chance that McDavid could be available, they’ll likely be plotting a way to get involved.”