NHL insider reveals troubling update on Connor McDavid's contract talks

For Oilers fans, this is indeed troubling news, and has led to much speculation concerning Connor McDavid's future with the Edmonton Oilers. McDavid's contract expires July 1, 2026, following the end of next season's campaign that will earn McDavid $12.5M.

Most Oilers fans will tell you that losing Connor McDavid to free agency is an impossibility, given his importance to the Oilers, and how close they've come to winning the Stanley Cup these last two season's.

Consider what McDavid has done for the Oilers since being drafted in 2015 and we have visions of his number 97 floating in the rafters of Rogers Place, right there next to Gretzky's et company.

But coming close to winning a Cup is not actually winning one, and Connor McDavid wants to win a cup, likely with the team that gives him the best chance, which as of now, is the Edmonton Oilers.

But what have the Oilers done this offseason to advance their team closer to a Stanley Cup? You can be assured that McDavid is asking himself that same question. Has Stan Bowman made his team better from the one that lost to Florida in the Stanley Cup Finals this past playoffs, and the one before?

The most notable changes the Oilers have made this offseason were signing Mangiapane and youngsters Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie, while extending stud defenseman Evan Bouchard to a monster contract. But does Connor McDavid see this as being enough?

The answer is probably yes, whether the team is better than last year's version, or not. This is because Connor McDavid has to say so. He is the face of the Oilers, their Captain and best player, and gives the Oilers the best chance to win in 2025-26, regardless of the roster moves Stan Bowman has made.

Connor McDavid will likely get his extension with the Oilers, and his roughly $14-$15M per year, because he is worth it, and because the Oilers cannot afford to lose him. The fact that discussions have not begun yet is troubling, yes; but it is only because we do not know what we do not know. We're not privy to either the team's or McDavid's team-strategy, as they are, after all, negotiations.

In my opinion, however, whether before, or after the next season begins, we will have heard that an extension has been signed, one that makes sense to both the Oilers and McDavid, and we will breathe a little easier, as the possibility alone of losing the club's Captain is enough to send a true Oilers fan spinning to the rumor mill.