A critical season is approaching for the Edmonton Oilers. The superstar Connor McDavid, widely regarded as the best player in the world, is entering the final year of his eight-year, $100 million contract. However, formal negotiations for an extension have yet to begin.
General Manager Stan Bowman has stated that McDavid is the team’s “number one priority” for the future. Even so, the club is dealing with internal challenges stemming from heavy contracts that limit salary cap flexibility. Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround the situation of their star forward.
As rumors about McDavid’s potential contract extension intensify, controversy erupted in recent hours over the deal of one of his teammates, which is being scrutinized as a serious obstacle to Edmonton’s roster planning.
The contract sparking controversy in Edmonton
The recent deal signed by Trent Frederic has drawn sharp criticism from Oilers fans and analysts. Despite a postseason limited by injuries, the 27-year-old forward signed an eight-year, $30.8 million extension, triggering debate.
NHL insider Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic graded the contract a D, noting that it represents a salary cap hit of just under $13 million per season and calling it one of the least efficient deals in the NHL. He also posted a blunt message on his X account (formerly Twitter): “It’s not McDavid’s fault they gave Nurse 9.5.”
McDavid’s situation with the Oilers grows more complicated
Bowman defended the Frederic signing: “He’s a very unique player… he’s big, physical, not afraid, and he’s scored 18 goals twice,” he said. At the same time, the situation is further complicated by the contract of Darnell Nurse, who earns an average annual salary of $9.25 million. Combined with the commitment to Frederic, these contracts pose a major obstacle to offering McDavid a substantial extension.