The 2025-26 NHL season is approaching, and all eyes are on Connor McDavid. The Edmonton Oilers captain remains unsigned on a long-term deal, creating tension for fans and analysts alike. As the team prepares to compete at the highest level, uncertainty surrounding McDavid’s commitment casts a shadow over the Oilers’ immediate and future plans.
For Edmonton, the stakes are monumental. The franchise has built its roster around McDavid, and the 28-year-old star is entering the final season of his eight-year, $100 million contract. Questions about whether the current lineup can sustain championship contention linger, especially given the lack of younger talent ready to step into key roles.
Beyond on-ice performance, the optics matter. Fans and media are scrutinizing every move, waiting to see how the Oilers’ management navigates the delicate balance of protecting McDavid’s interests while planning for a sustainable roster. Each decision this season could influence not just the present, but the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
Will McDavid commit long-term to Edmonton amid aging core?
TSN insider Chris Johnston offered a candid assessment of the Oilers’ situation. “If you look at the way the Oilers are constructed, there could be some reasons for concern in two or three or four or five years’ time,” he said. “That team kind of ages out just because they don’t have a lot of younger talent coming, and there’s some uncertainty there.”
Reinhart, left, McDavid and Crosby speak to media during Hockey Canada’s 2025 National Teams Orientation Camp. (Photo by Leah Hennel/Getty Images)
At the center of the discussion is McDavid, entering his prime yet faced with a roster built largely around veterans. Johnston noted, “It’s really one person and his family’s decision,” emphasizing that the Oilers will do what it takes to meet their captain’s expectations. His approach this season may dictate whether he envisions a long-term future in Edmonton.
see also
NHL News: Connor McDavid reportedly creating ‘now-or-never’ scenario for Oilers with firm stance on contract extension
How the Oilers balance cup aspirations with roster longevity
The slow pace of contract talks has surprised many. Johnston remarked, “There was so much optimism going into the offseason that something would get done,” but McDavid appears willing to wait, watching how management addresses the team’s age profile and competitive window.
Veterans Leon Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse, and Zach Hyman remain central contributors, but without an infusion of young talent, the Oilers’ championship window may be narrower than fans hope. How McDavid interprets the club’s direction this season will likely influence not only his next deal but the broader NHL market for elite forwards like Jack Eichel and Kirill Kaprizov.
SurveyWill Connor McDavid re-sign long-term with the Edmonton Oilers?
Will Connor McDavid re-sign long-term with the Edmonton Oilers?
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As Edmonton embarks on the 2025-26 season, the narrative will follow McDavid closely. Every game, trade, and front-office move could shape whether the Oilers’ superstar decides to anchor his prime years in Alberta—or explore other options in the future.
