Coming off two straight losses within the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers hope that 2025-26 might be different. A deep, balanced roster is once more one in every of the favorites to not only win the Western Conference but to recapture the Cup as well. Two of the NHL’s brightest offensive talents, centers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, led a dangerous attack. In the intervening time, McDavid is ready to play the ultimate yr of an eight-year pact this season before hitting unrestricted free agency next summer. The decorated center discussed his contract options with NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on Wednesday.
“McDavid, who could be an unrestricted free agent next July 1, reiterated Wednesday that he has “every intention to win in Edmonton,” but added it was not a guarantee he’d sign before the beginning of the season,” wrote Friedman on Wednesday. “’I’d say all options are on the table. I don’t have a preference either way.’”
McDavid’s focus is undoubtedly on bringing Lord Stanley back to Edmonton. Matters like a brand new contract will work themselves out. Whether it’s this week, next week, next month, or next yr, it’s likely that the veteran sniper will remain with the Oilers. Nevertheless, Draisaitl’s current deal, which makes him $14 million annually, might be the baseline for McDavid’s next deal. Will he find it in Edmonton, or will someone give him the largest contract in NHL history on the free agent market in 2026?
Can Oilers afford Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl?
Luckily for Edmonton, the cap is projected to extend over the following few seasons. In theory, that ought to make resigning McDavid and keeping the core of this current team, like Draisaitl, together. Nevertheless, other teams throughout may have money to spend as well. If the Oilers’ current franchise center cannot work out a brand new take care of team brass, then he may very well be probably the most sought-after free agent in NHL history.
In the intervening time, though, it feels as if McDavid and Edmonton are working on something. Whether a brand new deal is reached before the season starts is anyone’s guess. Friedman made it clear that McDavid is just too laser-focused on Olympic Gold and the Stanley Cup this yr to let anything deviate him from those goals. If the star center does accomplish each of those feats, will he price himself out of the Oilers’ budget in a couple of months’ time?