Connor McDavid signing a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers feels more like a matter of when rather than if. While everyone in Edmonton would love for the deal to be finalized as soon as possible, it’s trending in the right direction. At the very least, the organization hopes to reach an agreement before the 2025–26 NHL season starts.
Fortunately for fans in Edmonton, it seems the Oilers won’t hit the panic button anytime soon. At least for now. McDavid is most probably staying put. However, it might not be on the dream scenario for the franchise. The superstar is reportedly eyeing a shorter deal than what the Oilers would hope. Thus, similar offseason chaos could hit Edmonton a couple of years from now.
Still, keeping McDavid in town—even if it’s for only one more NHL season—is a positive sign for the Oilers. As long as he’s in town, it means the team is in a prime position to win the Stanley Cup. While reports indicate the two sides have yet to engage in formal contract talks, there is one key point in the potential deal on which both parties agree.
“Numbers haven’t even been exchanged yet,” Frank Seravalli said on Bleacher Report’s Insider Notebook. “They’re still kind of very early on on the process. Yet, there doesn’t seem to be any hint of nerves, panic, or fear from either the Oilers side or the McDavid side. I expect in relatively short order that that process will begin to ramp up.”
All but done
The worst is seemingly over with for the Oilers. Following the Stanley Cup Final loss against the Florida Panthers and the first weeks in which McDavid didn’t engage in contract talks, many within the city started bracing for the worst. However, that initial panic seems long gone. Still, there is one lingering fear which hasn’t gone anywhere.
While McDavid is mostly believed to extending his stay in Edmonton, reports suggest the forward could be eyeing a short-term deal and not willing to commit to the organization for the long-haul.
Not putting up a fight
It would definitely be a tough pill to swallow for the Oilers, but one they have no choice but to accept. Unfortunately for them, McDavid and his camp are now holding the high-ground in negotiations.
“I don’t have any concerns that he’s going to be re-signing with the Oilers,” Seravalli added. “The question is: for how long? Even Connor McDavid and his camp don’t have the answer to this yet. But if I had to peg where this will ultimately land I would say it will be somewhere between $16 and $17.5 million a year, on a four-year deal.”
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As it’s been reported time and again, the Oilers will most probably take on a passive role in negotiations. Whatever number McDavid and his camp come up with, the Oilers will probably ink the deal without a fuss or fight.