Elliotte Friedman’s Honest Take on Connor McDavid’s Future with Oilers originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Edmonton Oilers‘ star forward Connor McDavid’s playoff disappointment and his follow-up comments during the final media availability of the season have turned into offseason speculation.
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That said, one of the most reputable NHL insiders out there, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, doesn’t see any drama coming.
As McDavid enters the final year of his $100 million deal with the Oilers, talk has shifted to what his next contract might look like and whether he’ll sign it in Edmonton or elsewhere. McDavid becomes extension-eligible on July 1, and he’s made clear he won’t rush his decision.
Elliotte Friedman, during Friday’s episode of the “32 Thoughts” podcast, said he isn’t expecting a quick or extreme outcome.
“McDavid is going to sign for some huge number, and he deserves every penny of it,” Friedman said. “The Oilers have got Draisaitl at $14 (million). The maximum [McDavid] can sign for, I think, is like $19 million. I don’t expect him to sign for $19 million — but do I still think it’ll be a big number? Absolutely.”
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Friedman pointed to precedent, noting that McDavid left money on the table when he signed his current deal back in 2015.
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates scoring during the third period against the Florida Panthers in game five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Calming Oilers fans, Friedman made an honest admission and said that he doesn’t expect McDavid to change teams or walk away from his situation in Edmonton.
“I don’t think Connor McDavid is eager to flee Northern Alberta,” Friedman said. “He’s got a good setup there. They’ve been to the Stanley Cup Final two years in a row. He recognizes all of that.”
McDavid echoed those sentiments during his final press conference, saying he’ll have no problem signing an extension as long as the team stays competitive.
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“If I feel that there’s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem,” McDavid said.
Related: Oilers’ Connor McDavid Reveals Main Priority Driving Major Decision
Related: Leon Draisaitl Makes Blunt Admission About ‘Older’ Oilers
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.