Connor McDavid Shows Up at Ontario Beer League Game Amid Future Speculation originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The NHL’s best player may have just reignited speculation about his long-term future, whether that’s by signing a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers or landing elsewhere if he gets to free agency in 2026.
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Oilers captain Connor McDavid showed up at a beer league game in Ontario on Wednesday, causing chaos among hockey fans after a short clip popped up on X. Teammate Leon Draisaitl joined McDavid in Newmarket, Ontario.
McDavid is already eligible to sign a contract extension but hasn’t yet committed beyond his current contract, which expires in July 2026. That uncertainty continues to fuel rumors, especially involving hockey’s biggest market in Toronto.
Fans were quick to jump to conclusions, linking McDavid’s unexpected arrival in Toronto with a potential future move to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“He’s getting traded for sure,” a fan posted. “Future Leaf,” another claimed.
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“Been 16 days since McDavid could have signed an extension. Must be busy in Toronto,” another user wrote.
Toronto has long been linked to McDavid, assuming he reaches the free-agent market on July 1, 2026. NHL insider Chris Johnston appeared on “The Steve Dangle Podcast” and acknowledged that the Leafs are a legitimate player should McDavid hit the market.
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) controls the puck.Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
“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).”
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McDavid, an Ontario native and “former” Leafs fan, said after losing his second Stanley Cup Final in June that he won’t rush any decision on his long-term future.
“If I feel that there’s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem,” McDavid said.
Related: Maple Leafs Considered Connor McDavid Suitor in Potential 2026 Free Agency
Related: Maple Leafs Predicted to Land Connor McDavid, Build ‘Dominant 1-2 Punch’
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.