Maple Leafs Considered Connor McDavid Suitor in Pontential 2026 Free Agency originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The hockey world is already bracing for 2026, when Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid could become the most coveted free agent in NHL history.
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McDavid is coming off a 100-point season in just 67 regular-season games and led all skaters with 33 playoff points on his way to his second consecutive Stanley Cup Final.
The Oilers captain is under contract through the 2025–26 campaign, and he’s already eligible to sign an extension. While many expect that an extension will eventually happen, nothing is set in stone yet.
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, it wouldn’t be wise to count out the Toronto Maple Leafs as a realistic suitor for McDavid in what could be the biggest free-agent signing ever. That, however, would depend on McDavid making it all the way to free agency.
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Speaking on “The Steve Dangle Podcast,” Johnston acknowledged what many around the league are thinking, reading the Leafs’ position in the McDavid sweepstakes.
“If (McDavid) becomes a free agent, of course, the Leafs (would try to sign him)—they’ve been nuts,” Johnston said. “Any of the Original Six teams are probably feeling like they could be in that mix if they’re good enough.
“At this point in time, I think it’s really any of the (contenders).”
Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) looks for a loose puck.Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Johnston added that McDavid will set his own terms, and teams chasing his signature will need to show him a clear path to contention, not just money.
“You need to have a plan,” Johnston said. “If Connor extends in Edmonton or if he ends up signing a free agent contract in 2026, we all know there’s no negotiation. It’s literally, he’s going to pick his terms. So it’s about everything else around that.”
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McDavid, for one, isn’t going to rush any decision. He made that clear during his final media availability of the season.
“If I feel that there’s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem,” McDavid said. “I’m not in a rush to make any decision, so I don’t think there needs to be any timeline.”
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.