Based on coverage from TSN, Sportsnet, CBC, CityNews Toronto, and the NHL.
Connor McDavid is staying in Edmonton. The Oilers announced a two-year, $25 million contract extension for their superstar captain. This deal keeps McDavid with the team through the 2027-28 season.
This extension comes amid speculation about McDavid's future. With his previous contract set to expire next summer, many wondered if he'd test free agency. Instead, McDavid has committed to the Oilers, a team he's led to two consecutive Stanley Cup Finals.
McDavid's decision to stay in Edmonton is significant. Despite the chance to secure a more lucrative deal elsewhere, he chose to maintain his $12.5 million cap hit. This move mirrors his commitment to winning a Stanley Cup with the Oilers.
The Oilers have been close to achieving that goal. They've reached the Stanley Cup Final twice, only to fall to the Florida Panthers both times. McDavid's continued presence aims to push the team over the hump.
McDavid's stats are nothing short of remarkable. Last season, he notched 100 points in 67 games, a "down season" by his standards. His career totals of 1,082 points in 712 games place him among the NHL's elite.
The Oilers' roster is now set for another run. With McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who signed his own massive extension last year, Edmonton remains a top contender. The team also secured defenceman Jake Walman with a seven-year deal, bolstering their blue line.
Across the league, McDavid's extension is a statement. While other stars like Kirill Kaprizov have signed record-breaking contracts, McDavid's focus remains on team success. His decision underscores his dedication to Edmonton and its fans.
For the Oilers, this extension provides stability. With McDavid locked in, they can focus on addressing other roster needs. The team aims to end Canada's Stanley Cup drought, which has lasted over three decades.
Looking ahead, McDavid's leadership will be crucial. As the Oilers open their season against the Calgary Flames, expectations are high. Fans hope that this extension is the first step toward a championship.
In the broader NHL context, McDavid's choice may influence other stars. His decision to prioritize team success over personal gain could set a new standard. As the league evolves, McDavid remains at its forefront, both on and off the ice.
Bowman on McDavid’s Commitment
Oilers general manager Stan Bowman called the deal “unlike any other” in his career — less a negotiation, more a months-long conversation about belief, vision, and trust.
“Usually when you do these things, it’s back and forth on the term or the structure,” Bowman said in his post-signing press conference. “That was never talked about. It was really about where we’re headed as a team, how we can keep improving, and what the vision is.”
Bowman revealed that McDavid’s decision to maintain his $12.5 million cap hit wasn’t the result of a pitch from management — it was McDavid’s idea.
“We never once talked about money,” Bowman said. “That’s what makes this unique. It was never about the number for Connor. This was about believing in what we’re building.”
That belief, Bowman noted, has resonated throughout the locker room.
“Players were shocked — in a good way,” he added. “They all had the same reaction: ‘Holy cow, what a leader.’ That tells you everything you need to know about who he is.”
The GM emphasized that McDavid’s selflessness gives the Oilers new flexibility heading into future seasons.
“When you have more money to spend, it gives you a lot more options,” Bowman said. “It doesn’t change our approach — we’ve always been pushing to make this team better — but it certainly opens doors when it comes to free agency and trades.”
Still, Bowman made it clear that Edmonton’s focus remains firmly in the present.
“We’re not building to be good five years from now,” he said. “Our focus last year was to win. Our focus this year is to win. That doesn’t change.”
Asked whether McDavid’s example might influence future contracts or the type of player the Oilers pursue, Bowman said the message inside the organization is clear.
“When your captain takes less because he wants to win, that sets a standard,” he said. “It tells every player who comes here what this is about. Connor’s actions show what he wants — and that’s a championship.”
Bowman’s comments underline what’s made this moment so striking for Edmonton: the best player in the world just doubled down on loyalty and legacy. For a franchise still chasing its first Stanley Cup since 1990, it’s the kind of leadership that can ripple far beyond the ice.
