As the Edmonton Oilers navigate a quiet offseason following another heartbreaking Stanley Cup Final loss, all eyes are on Connor McDavid, whose contract situation now looms as the franchise’s most urgent concern. Entering the final year of his eight-year, $100 million deal, McDavid’s next move could redefine the Oilers’ trajectory for years to come.
Amid tepid roster changes this summer, speculation is growing that the superstar captain is sending a silent, yet powerful message to the front office. Bryan Hayes, speaking on TSN’s OverDrive, highlighted the possibility that McDavid may be leveraging his contract to demand action: “Is it possible that he’s gonna hold their feet to the fire?” Hayes asked, noting the lack of impactful signings.
“They have not made huge changes that would lead me to believe they’re a better team today than they were a month ago,” he added. “So, is there a chance McDavid is still applying pressure to the front office?”
Quiet moves fail to impress
Despite back-to-back Final losses to the Florida Panthers, the Oilers’ offseason has been relatively subdued. Edmonton acquired Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning, parted ways with Viktor Arvidsson (now with Boston), and tweaked the coaching staff by bringing in a new goalie coach. But for a team expected to make one final leap, such minor changes have raised eyebrows.
“I don’t care that you changed the goalie coach,” Hayes said bluntly. “You’d better go find a new goalie before, out of principle, I’m not signing this until you do something tangibly different with this roster.” It was a speculative remark, but one that resonated with Oilers fans who feel the window for a championship could be slipping.
McDavid not rushing decision on future
As of July 1, McDavid is eligible to sign an extension—but has yet to do so. At the team’s end-of-season availability, he acknowledged the gravity of the decision: “If I feel that there’s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem,” he said. “Still need to do what’s best for me and my family.”
SURVEY Do you think Connor McDavid will sign an extension with the Oilers before the 2025–26 season begins?
Do you think Connor McDavid will sign an extension with the Oilers before the 2025–26 season begins?
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The message may be subtle, but it’s impossible to ignore: Edmonton’s front office must deliver a stronger supporting cast—or risk losing the best player in the world by 2026.