It’s time for some more NHL rumours. Training camp is around the corner and that means the hot stove talks is amping up. General mangers are going into overdrive trying to take care of business before players hit the ice. Some big-time players could hit the free agent market if they don’t sign contract extensions. This means GMs are going to do everything in their power to get these deals done.
We turn our attention to the latest update between Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. The captain and Team Canada star could become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2026 if he doesn’t sign a deal.
All NHL rumours come from the original sources and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
The Latest Chatter on Talks Between the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid
Rumour: We grab a number of different sources and piece together an update on where things stand with the Oilers and McDavid. The veteran forward has Edmonton fans on edge due to him not re-signing.
Analysis: We start off with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and his take on what may happen. Friedman said that McDavid will sign for a number that lets for the Oilers to do business if he does re-sign. The insider mentions that the number could be $16 million or less when Friedman appeared on NHL Network earlier in the week.
This does give Oilers General Manager some hope that he can be flexible. Edmonton already has some massive contracts like the ones carded by Leon Draisaitl and Darnell Nurse. McDavid is due a nice raise and it’s likely he’ll get at least $15 million to make him the highest-paid player on the team.
However, Friedman also mentions that it could be a short-term deal. He did mention that the number will likely be $16 million, which will allow him to get another massive payday if he does decide to go the short-term route.
The $16 million figure has been tossed around with other players. However, Kirill Kaprizov reportedly rejected that offer from the Minnesota Wild that was also for eight years. This could cause even more chaos when it comes to what could be a massive free agent class.
What It Means
We turn to TSN’s Ryan Rishaug for what could be a possible term length for McDavid. Rishaug appeared Got Yer’ Back podcast to talk about what kind of deal the captain could get.
The TSN reporter agrees with Friedman that McDavid will likely get that $16 million cap hit. However, Rishaug is a little more certain on the length of McDavid’s contract.
However, he also qualified that McDavid could go with a two-year deal. Somewhere in that two to four-year range might be what gets done. The salary cap is expected to keep going up, so one doesn’t blame these players for trying to get all they can.
The McDavid contract situation is something that will be on the minds of all Canadians and hockey fans. Even Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney gave his take on talks. Whatever happens, the negotiations will be the talk of the hockey world until something is done.
Main photo by: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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