As the 2025-26 regular season inches closer, the talk surrounding Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid’s next contract has only gotten louder.

The 28-year-old superstar is entering the final season of an eight-year, $100 million contract with the opportunity to test unrestricted free agency next summer looming. He has yet to commit to a new deal with Edmonton, unlike long-time teammate Leon Draisaitl, who opted not to test free agency and signed an eight-year, $112 million extension last September.

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said in an interview on TSN’s OverDrive on Tuesday afternoon that the team will continue to be patient.

“I think he’s obviously the best player in the game and we love having him here, he’s our captain and our leader,” said Bowman. “We’re excited about that, excited about this season. I think he’s working through things on his own. We kind of understand that. We’ll be patient but he knows that we love having him here and want him to remain in Edmonton. That’s the process we’re going through right now.”

Since being taken first overall by Edmonton in 2015, McDavid has put together an illustrious NHL career, winning three Hart Trophies, four Ted Lindsay Awards, five Art Ross Trophies and one Maurice “Rocket Richard Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy.

But a Stanley Cup title has continued to elude McDavid despite being incredibly close as the Oilers have lost back-to-back Finals series to the Florida Panthers.

In a sit-down interview last week with TSN’s Ryan Rishaug, McDavid said his next NHL contract is a big decision and will take his time.

“I’m in no rush, working through it, again, as I said, with my family, with Lauren, and with my agent,” said McDavid. “There’s no grand master plan here. It’s just simply this is a big decision for me – a big decision for not only my life but my playing career. I’ve been playing hockey since I was two years old. Everything I’ve put into my life’s work is hockey and this is a big decision in that, so I want to get it right – not only for me but for what’s best for the organization.”

Oilers invested in Skinner

Another player who will be in the spotlight for the Oilers this upcoming season is goaltender Stuart Skinner.

The 26-year-old netminder has famously played a big part in helping Edmonton reach back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals but his struggles along the way have been well documented.

During the 2024-25 regular season, Skinner posted career lows in save percentage (.896) and goals-against average (2.81) and went 26-18-4. He also struggled in the opening games of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings, prompting backup goaltender Calvin Pickard to take over. Skinner regained the starting job in the second round against Vegas after Pickard was injured and backstopped them to the Finals.

Bowman acknowledged the need for change and made a switch in goalie coaches as Dustin Schwartz was let go after 11 seasons with the organization and Peter Aubry was brought in.

“Sometimes change is good, and I think a little bit of a different perspective maybe can unlock certain guys and I think in our case we’re very optimistic Stuart is going to be able to take that next step,” said Bowman. “He’s still a pretty young goalie as far as the league goes, he’s just coming into the prime years of his career. He’s shown he certainly has the capability to make big saves and win big games for us.

“What we’re trying to do is maybe bring out the consistency in his game a little bit more. I think his best game is excellent, we saw that in the playoffs last year.”