The Edmonton Oilers head into the 2025-26 season with the top priority of securing the future of their cornerstone player, Connor McDavid. The franchise’s captain is finishing the final year of his eight-year, $100 million contract, which carries an average annual value of $12.5 million.
While the Oilers’ inner circle and rival teams, already speculating, were awaiting clear signs regarding his renewal, there had been no set date for finalizing the agreement. However, new information that emerged in recent hours could shed light on McDavid’s situation.
The importance of an extension goes far beyond financial terms, as locking up McDavid would ensure continuity, leadership, and stability for a core that has already performed at the highest level in recent playoff runs. The franchise may now have a deadline to settle the matter.
When would McDavid sign his extension with the Oilers?
According to NHL insider Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, the deal will be done soon and will come with a major twist. “Connor McDavid will be the highest-paid player in the NHL and will sign his extension before the start of the regular season,” he predicted.
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up prior to a game against the Florida Panthers during Game Three of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 09, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
This means final news could arrive between late September and early October, during the preseason games leading up to the new NHL regular season. Still, anything could happen in that time frame.
see also
NHL News: Oilers urged to follow Brad Marchand, Panthers’ example to help Connor McDavid succeed
Di Marco’s prediction comes amid mixed reports suggesting McDavid’s new deal could reach record-breaking numbers for the league. However, outlets such as House of Hockey have also indicated that negotiations have yet to make substantial progress and that “no numbers have been exchanged.”
