The Edmonton Oilers risk spiraling out of control after back-to-back losses in the Stanley Cup Final. With Connor McDavid’s future—though still relatively moderate—at stake, this NHL offseason could prove pivotal. Edmonton must do whatever it takes to keep its captain, but the star has reportedly laid out one clear condition.
McDavid is still chasing the first Stanley Cup of his NHL career. His resume speaks volumes, but it’s still missing the one trophy that every kid ever dreams of. The former first overall pick of the 2015 NHL entry Draft won’t stop chasing Lord Stanley, but he might believe Edmonton no longer gives him the best shot.
Now, McDavid is set to enter a contract year during the 2025-26 NHL season and the Oilers are determined to avoid that scenario at any cost. As it currently stands, all signs point to McDavid extending his contract in Edmonton. However, the new deal might not be ideal for the organization.
According to reports, McDavid is hesitant to commit to a long-term contract. The captain might prefer to keep his options open in case things take a turn for the worse in the coming years.
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers plays against the Florida Panthers in Game Six of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 21, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
“I think Connor McDavid’s next contract is certainly going to be on the shorter end [rather] than the longer end,” insider Chris Johnston said during a recent episode of his podcast, the Chris Johnston Show. “That to me is pretty much a certainty.”
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Former head coach set to join divisional rival
After taking over as interim head coach in February 2022, Jay Woodcroft became the official bench boss ahead of the 2022-23 NHL season. However, after only one full-season behind the bench, the Oilers fired him in November 2023 to make way for Kris Knoblauch.
Now, reports indicate that Woodcroft has found a new home in the NHL. The 48-year-old coach is still under contract with Edmonton, but that deal is set to expire on July 1. Once the league calendar flips, he’ll be free to join any team he chooses—and it appears that decision has already been made.
“Head coach Jay Woodcroft will be joining Joel Quenneville’s staff as an assistant with the Anaheim Ducks,” insider Frank Seravalli said. “Likely to be announced July 1 after Woodcroft’s current deal in Edmonton expires.”
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers reacts after scoring an empty net goal during the third period against the Florida Panthers in Game Five of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.
Hoping to make ends meet
Corey Perry has once again found himself on the losing side of a Stanley Cup Final. The 40-year-old veteran has now suffered defeat five times on hockey’s biggest stage. To make matters worse, they all came in the last six years—losing in five of the last six Finals.
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His conquest back in 2007 looks awfully far and distant now, but the Oilers are reportedly convinced the veteran is bound to snap the skid. “I think the Oilers and Corey Perry are trying to work something out,” insider Elliotte Friedman said in dialogue with Sportsnet 590 The Fan.
