NHL Trade Rumors: Connor McDavid's Oilers future draws shocking twist with top suitors emerging ahead of potential free agency decision
The Edmonton Oilers may still be recovering from another painful Stanley Cup Final defeat, but the attention has quickly shifted to a bigger question:
Connor McDavid
's contract future. With the 2025-26 NHL season set to begin in less than two months, hockey's brightest star finds himself in the final year of his $100 million deal, and the entire league is watching closely to see what comes next.
Connor McDavid's contract future with Oilers fuels speculation ahead of 2025-26 NHL season
Connor McDavid signed his eight-year extension at just 22, locking in his place as the Oilers' franchise cornerstone. Now, with free agency looming on July 1, 2026, Edmonton faces the possibility—however slim—of seeing the best player in the world test the market. NHL insider Frank Seravalli believes it won't come to that.
'He's not going anywhere,' Seravalli said on Bleacher Report Insiders Notebook. 'I think there's a small chance that we get to a month from now, and camp's about to open, and McDavid still doesn't have a deal done.
That's when the conversation begins to percolate a lot more.'
The Oilers hold leverage as training camp approaches, since McDavid won't want to be bombarded with constant contract questions. Still, should negotiations stall, major-market teams like the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Chicago Blackhawks are ready to pounce. As Seravalli put it: 'Could you imagine dropping Connor McDavid into Manhattan with the Rangers? Or Toronto, going home?'
The mere thought of McDavid in another jersey echoes history. Wayne Gretzky, the 'Great One,' was once traded from Edmonton to Los Angeles, forever altering the sport. Could McDavid follow a similar path?
Why Connor McDavid could still stay in Edmonton
While speculation runs wild, another respected voice has added a fresh perspective.
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NHL insider John Shannon, speaking on the Oilers Now podcast, suggested McDavid might sign a shorter three- or four-year deal rather than a massive long-term contract. More importantly, Shannon noted that McDavid might sacrifice his maximum 20 percent salary cap entitlement to help Edmonton build a championship roster.
'I also think Connor's smart enough to know if he gets too much, that's less to acquire free agents and other players for this hockey club,' Shannon explained.
'And that's what superstars do that want to win Stanley Cups—they sacrifice.'
That type of decision would cement McDavid's legacy not only as an elite player but also as a leader invested in team success. With back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses to the Florida Panthers still stinging, Edmonton's window remains open—but fragile.
In 67 games last season, McDavid tallied 26 goals and 74 assists for 100 points, proving once again why he remains in a league of his own. The question now is whether the Oilers can secure his signature quickly enough to silence the speculation—and finally deliver the championship that has eluded him.
Also Read:
Maple Leafs fans on edge as Connor McDavid's new contract update sparks speculation over Auston Matthews' long-term future in Toronto
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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