Connor McDavid reveals one condition to sign contract extension with Oilers after second Stanley Cup Final loss vs Panthers

The 2024–25 NHL season ended in bitter disappointment for Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, who fell to the Florida Panthers for the second year in a row in the Stanley Cup Final. Despite another spectacular individual postseason — with 33 points in 22 games — the Oilers’ captain remains without hockey’s most coveted trophy.

McDavid has one year remaining on his eight-year, $100 million contract and will be eligible to sign an extension starting July 1, 2025. But the Canadian superstar made it clear he won’t rush into a decision — and that winning is the one condition that matters most.

“Winning would be at the top of the list,” McDavid told reporters Thursday, via Sportsnet. “It’s the most important thing. If I feel that there’s a good window to win here, over and over again, then signing is no problem.”

He added: “It’s only been a couple of days. I’m sure we’ll get into it over the course of the next couple of weeks, but I’m not in a rush to make any decision, so I don’t think that there needs to be any timeline. I know people are going to look at that July 1 date and expect something to get done, but for me, I’m just not in a rush that way.”

Oilers must prove they’re built to win

McDavid’s comments leave no room for doubt: this isn’t about money — it’s about building a team capable of sustained success. While Edmonton has made progress by reaching consecutive Finals, its inability to close the deal may weigh heavily on McDavid’s long-term commitment. If the organization can’t prove it can consistently contend, the league’s top player could explore other opportunities in free agency after 2026.

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Time is ticking in Edmonton

The pressure is now squarely on the Oilers management. Keeping McDavid — widely considered the best player in the world — depends on their ability to surround him with a championship-caliber roster. With key contract decisions looming and the salary cap tightening, the front office must show that Edmonton remains a viable path to the Stanley Cup.