Connor McDavid could be a possibility to play alongside Mitch Marner and Jack Eichel with the Golden Knights. Although that scenario seems very unlikely, NHL insider Chris Johnston mentioned that Vegas has not been ruled out as one of the suitors.
“Like, Vegas has to probably think about it. I don’t know how they do it. I’m imagining. They’ve already signed Marner. I’m imagining they’re going to extend Eichel.”
The Golden Knights made one of the biggest moves of free agency after a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs to get Marner. If they wanted to sign McDavid, they would have to make very complicated adjustments because of the salary cap, especially considering they also need to give Jack Eichel a contract extension.
Is Connor McDavid a free agent this season?
Connor McDavid is not a free agent at the moment. He is still under contract with the Edmonton Oilers through the 2025–26 NHL season. His current deal, signed in 2017, was an eight-year contract worth $100 million, carrying an annual cap hit of $12.5 million. This means that unless he signs an extension beforehand, McDavid will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2026.
As that date approaches, speculation around McDavid’s future has intensified. He is now eligible to begin negotiating an extension with the Oilers, but so far, no new deal has been signed.
This has created uncertainty around whether he will stay in Edmonton long-term. Given his status as one of the best players in the world and a former Hart Trophy winner, McDavid’s decision will significantly impact the future of the Oilers and potentially shift the NHL’s balance of power.
The Oilers have made deep playoff runs in recent seasons, but they’ve fallen just short of winning the Stanley Cup. For McDavid, team success will likely play a major role in whether he chooses to commit to Edmonton for another long stretch. If he’s available, the Golden Knights might be waiting.