NHL Trade Rumors: Oilers captain Connor McDavid reportedly eyeing Maple Leafs switch to reunite with Auston Matthews
After weeks of mounting speculation, Connor McDavid is reportedly ready to open contract discussions with the Edmonton Oilers. This long-anticipated move comes after a brief silence that sparked rumors of a possible exit.
However, recent developments suggest the franchise's cornerstone is still committed - for now. The reigning best player in the NHL may stay loyal to Edmonton, but the fine print of his next deal could shape the future of both McDavid and the team.
Connor McDavid's next deal could be historic, but it comes with conditions
Connor McDavid isn't just negotiating any contract- he's expected to ink a deal that would make him the highest-paid player in NHL history. NHL insider Frank Seravalli weighed in, noting, 'I don't think $20 million is unreasonable given what he provides and how significant of an impact he has as the best player in the world.
If I were looking at the Connor McDavid situation, as best I can handicap it at this point in time, my guess is somewhere between $16 and $17.5 million in AAV.
Those are just ballparks. That's the best that I can glean at this moment in time.' Seravalli estimates the ballpark figure to be between $16 million and $17.5 million in average annual value (AAV).
Yet, despite the optimism surrounding a massive contract, it's not just about the money.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
McDavid is likely weighing more than just figures—he's considering legacy. The Oilers have repeatedly fallen short of lifting the Stanley Cup, including a bitter playoff exit to the Florida Panthers last season. If that trend continues, the superstar's patience might wear thin.
Loyalty now, but exit still on the table
While rumors about McDavid potentially heading to the Toronto Maple Leafs made waves recently, those talks have cooled. He remains expected to sign an extension with Edmonton.
However, Seravalli provided a warning rooted in McDavid's immense leverage: 'If he decides after four years or three years or whatever that the Edmonton Oilers aren't getting it done...the best player in the world just raises his hand and says: 'I want out.
''
This isn't just hypothetical. McDavid has been eligible to extend his contract since July 1, but personal matters reportedly delayed the process. Now, discussions are finally set to commence—but for how long will Edmonton be enough? The specter of a late-career switch, especially to his hometown Maple Leafs, still looms.
The Oilers need more than just a signature. They need to prove to McDavid that Edmonton is where champions are made. Because if the promise of the Stanley Cup continues to fade, even the most loyal star might look elsewhere for glory.
FAQs:
1. Why were Connor McDavid's contract talks delayed?
Contract discussions were delayed due to personal matters, but they are now expected to begin soon.
2. Is Connor McDavid committed to staying in Edmonton long-term?
He is expected to sign an extension, but could leave if the Oilers fail to deliver results in the coming years.
3. What makes Connor McDavid's next contract so significant?
His upcoming deal is projected to make him the highest-paid player in NHL history, reflecting his elite impact on the game.
Also Read:
Without Mitch Marner, can Auston Matthews still carry the Maple Leafs to a Stanley Cup?
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Adam Ružička eyes NHL comeback after successful KHL season
Adam Ružička Eyes NHL Comeback After Successful KHL Season (Image Via Twitter) After the rather debatable selection of his exit from the NHL in early 2024, it could soon be possible for Slovak forward Adam Ružička to return to North America. The 26-year-old spent the previous season in Russia with Spartak Moscow, allegedly awaiting a concrete NHL offer. While his team wants to retain him, Ružička holds hopes of an NHL comeback-which may be his ambition-plus needing to compete in the Winter Olympics for Slovakia. Adam Ružička rebuilds his career with Spartak Moscow After a brief unsatisfactory stint with the Coyotes, Adam Ružička found new life in the KHL. With Spartak Moscow, the forward racked up 45 points in 65 regular-season games and added 12 more in 12 playoff appearances. Finishing in third place in the West and making it to the second round of the playoffs was quite a good run for Ružička, who seemed to flourish in his new environment. Arizona's exit still looms over Adam Ružička's NHL hopes After being released by Arizona in February 2024, his NHL trajectory took a downward curve. Only weeks after joining the Coyotes off waivers from Calgary, the forward was let go in the wake of a social media controversy concerning a now-deleted video. Putting him under scrutiny, Ružička quickly redirected his focus, taking his KHL performance as an indicator of his maturity and consistency. That said, NHL front offices may still hold a wary view, and no specific franchise has yet been publicly tied to him. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2021 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You Unsold Cars | Search Ads Learn More Undo Olympic dreams may affect Adam Ružička's next step Adam Ruzicka 3-1 Goal vs Washington Capitals | December 3, 2022 If Adam Ružička returns to the NHL, it may be part of a strategy that also takes his Olympic ambitions into consideration. His icing for the Slovak senior team during the 2022 Olympic qualifiers is still his sole major international experience. Since at least a minority do not consider KHL players for inclusion in the national side, Ružička could view an NHL comeback as the easier route toward selection for the Olympics. Interestingly, his brother-in-law, Michal Čajkovský, a former teammate at Spartak, is also currently a free agent and may factor into Ružička's next choice. Also Read: Alex Ovechkin begins a new journey off the ice with Yandex‑backed documentary project Adam Ružička stands at a very important juncture in his life: behind him are astonishing KHL statistics, and in front of him are the Olympics, his NHL hopes still very much alive. It remains to be seen whether or not some NHL club is ready to give the Slovak wing a shot, but one thing is for sure: Ružička is eager to open a brand new chapter in his career. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Kirby Dach's recovery timeline raises doubts about return for Montreal Canadiens' 2025–26 NHL season opener
Tony Gutierrez/AP Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach may not be ready for the start of the 2025–26 NHL season, as recovery from his knee surgery is reportedly still ongoing. According to a new report, the 24-year-old has yet to fully heal from the procedure he underwent after suffering an injury in late February. Concerns are now growing about his availability for opening night. Kirby Dach recovery timeline casts doubt on Montreal Canadiens lineup for 2025–26 NHL opening night The uncertainty around Kirby Dach's recovery gained traction after journalist Maxime Truman reported that the forward is still not fully recovered. That report was further supported by comments from an orthopedic surgeon, who spoke to HFTV, stating that the general recovery window for a professional athlete after such a procedure is between 6–9 months. However, the surgeon added that if it was a repeat surgery, the recovery timeline could be even longer. Considering Dach's injury occurred near the end of February, the standard timeline places his return somewhere between late August and November. While there remains a chance that Dach could return in time for the Montreal Canadiens' season opener, it is far from guaranteed. His actual availability will depend heavily on when he resumes skating and how his knee responds in the coming weeks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Back Pain Treatments That Might Surprise You! Back Pain Treatment | Search Ads Undo Montreal Canadiens urged to prioritize Kirby Dach's long-term health over early NHL return after knee injury While Canadiens fans hope to see Dach in the lineup on opening night, many believe the organization should exercise caution. A rushed return could risk aggravating the injury or causing long-term setbacks. Several observers, including Truman, emphasized the importance of allowing Dach to recover fully before rejoining the team. Dach, originally drafted third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2019, was traded to the Canadiens in 2022 and has since become a key piece in Montreal's rebuilding efforts. Ensuring his long-term health is viewed as essential not just for the current season but for the franchise's future success. Although having Kirby Dach ready for the 2025–26 NHL season opener would benefit the Montreal Canadiens, the focus remains on his complete recovery. With his long-term value to the team in mind, both the medical staff and front office are expected to proceed with caution, prioritizing health over haste. Also Read: Toronto Maple Leafs ink William Villeneuve to new contract for 2025–26 season after breakout AHL year Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Toronto Maple Leafs ink William Villeneuve to new contract for 2025–26 season after breakout AHL year
Dan Culberson/Saint John Sea Dogs The Toronto Maple Leafs have re-signed defenceman William Villeneuve to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2025–26 season. While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the 23-year-old returns to the organization after a standout campaign with the AHL's Toronto Marlies. William Villeneuve led all Toronto Marlies defencemen in scoring last season and is steadily developing into a viable depth option for the Toronto Maple Leafs at the NHL level. William Villeneuve re-signs with Toronto Maple Leafs after leading Toronto Marlies defencemen in AHL Villeneuve's return to the Maple Leafs organization comes on the heels of a career-best season with the Toronto Marlies, where he posted 40 points (4 goals, 36 assists) in 55 games and registered a +17 rating. His offensive output placed him 14th among all AHL defencemen, while also topping the Marlies' blue line. The Sherbrooke, Quebec native contributed two assists in the Calder Cup Playoffs, although the Marlies were swept in the first round by the Cleveland Monsters. His development has been steady since being selected by the Maple Leafs in the fourth round (122nd overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft. Originally signed by then-GM Kyle Dubas in 2021 to an entry-level contract, Villeneuve has spent all three pro seasons with the Marlies, showing consistent growth on both ends of the ice. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime Techno Mag Learn More Undo William Villeneuve's AHL career progress, QMJHL accolades, and NHL potential with the Toronto Maple Leafs Over 165 AHL regular-season games, Villeneuve has recorded 90 points and maintained a +28 rating, while collecting 117 penalty minutes. His poise with the puck, vision, and transitional play have made him a reliable contributor on the Marlies' back end. Though he has yet to debut in the NHL, his two-way game continues to mature, giving him a chance to push for a call-up in the 2025–26 season. Prior to turning pro, Villeneuve starred with the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL, where he led all defencemen in scoring during the 2019–20 season and later helped the club win the Memorial Cup in 2022. He also served as an alternate captain during that championship run. Villeneuve's new deal underscores the Maple Leafs' commitment to internal development and depth. If his upward trajectory continues, the young blueliner may soon be knocking on the door of the NHL roster. Also Read: Minnesota Wild set to offer Kirill Kaprizov $120M contract extension, highest AAV in NHL history for a winger Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
