Connor McDavid has a year left on his contract, and it’s pretty much a given that when he signs a new deal, it’ll set all sorts of NHL records.
But The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun has put out new reporting that warns Edmonton Oilers fans to not rush to conclusions about what the new deal might look like.
LeBrun makes two points. One, McDavid is in no rush. And two, he might not take the eight-year max and instead opt for something like the four-year deal Auston Matthews signed with Toronto.
Both of those attach at least partially to the fact that Edmonton has fallen in the Stanley Cup Finals two seasons in a row. The Oilers have been right there but not gotten over the finish line.
That probably explains McDavid not being in a rush. If next season doesn’t go well, he could always look to leave entirely rather than signing any new pact with the Oilers.
A shorter deal would also be a massive decision, because it would set McDavid up for one more highly anticipated free agency (and possibly close the Oilers’ title window faster).
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Edmonton already has Leon Draisaitl locked up long term, and defenseman Evan Bouchard looks to be next.
Don’t forget McDavid down the road, but at least for now, it doesn’t seem like he’ll be signing any new deal.
And the Oilers better hope they play well in 2025-26, because if they don’t, LeBrun’s reporting suggests the slightest of chances that McDavid changes his mind about where he wants to spend his future.
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