Connor McDavid is entering the final year of his eight‑year, $100 million contract, set to expire after the 2025‑26 season. Since July 1, 2025, he’s been eligible to negotiate an extension—but as of now, no deal has been signed .
McDavid has emphasized that he is in no rush to decide his future. Speaking just days after the Oilers’ second straight loss in the Stanley Cup Final, he noted:
“I’m going to take some time to regroup… talk to my agent and family… there’s no rush” .
Asked what would influence his decision, McDavid said:
“Winning is the most important thing. If I feel there’s a good window to win here, over and over again, then signing is no problem” .
From the Oilers’ side, GM Stan Bowman has made it clear they are fully committed to retaining him—calling him the franchise’s “No. 1 priority”—and are ready to begin contract talks whenever McDavid is .
That being said, McDavid’s openness to free agency remains intact. Multiple NHL teams—including the Bruins, Rangers, Panthers, and even the Golden Knights—are reportedly scouting the possibility of his availability in 2026 . Yet, insiders maintain there’s no immediate indication that McDavid intends to leave—he appears focused, cautious, and deeply weighing his options .
