Connor McDavid (Imagn Images) Connor McDavid’s future with the Edmonton Oilers is moving closer to a resolution, with NHL insider Elliotte Friedman hinting that contract extension talks could begin sooner than many anticipated. With one year left on his eight-year, $100 million deal, McDavid remains the most important player for Edmonton as they aim to build a team capable of ending their Stanley Cup drought.
Talks expected between Olympic camp and training camp as both sides aim for quick agreement
Elliotte Friedman suggested on the 32 Thoughts podcast that discussions could start between Canada’s 2026 Olympic orientation camp and the Oilers’ training camp. “Well, just at the start of the camp, I could see it,” Friedman said. “Look, I just think everybody wants to get it done. So I would expect [between] the Olympic camp and training camp, they sit down, they say, ‘How’s this all going to look?’”
NHL Update From Europe | 32 Thoughts
Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has confirmed McDavid is a top priority, calling him “the best player in the League” and emphasizing that the team is ready to meet whenever McDavid is prepared. “Certainly we’re eager to meet with him whenever he wants. Timing-wise, Connor is going to drive that process,” Bowman stated.
Connor McDavid focused on winning Stanley Cups before committing long-term
Despite the looming extension, McDavid’s main focus remains on winning. After another 100-point season and a deep playoff run that ended in a second consecutive loss to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final, McDavid reiterated that team success is his priority. “Winning would be at the top of the list,” he 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.”Also Read: Connor McDavid’s future in Edmonton questioned as Oilers alumni debate short-term contract strategyThe Oilers’ roster will face new challenges this season following the departures of Evander Kane and Corey Perry. How they perform around McDavid could significantly influence the timeline and terms of his contract extension. For Edmonton, locking in their superstar while maintaining a strong supporting cast is crucial to finally capturing the Stanley Cup.