It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We may be in the quiet part of the NHL season. However, there’s still plenty to discuss. The initial free agent frenzy has given way to talk about restricted free agents and superstar extensions. This edition of NHL rumours deals with the latter category. There are a number of big-ticket players that could hit the free agent market on July 1, 2026. However, these players can sign contract extensions at any point. We’ve discussed these big-money extensions a few times summer in previous editions of NHL rumours.
Three big names stand out among others. This edition of NHL rumours gives an update on Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Where Contract Talks Stand Between Connor McDavid and Edmonton Oilers
Rumour: John Shannon of Sportsnet gave his update on where things may go with McDavid and the Oilers in contract talks. Shannon said that the Oilers captain could take a three or four-year deal at a much-lower number than what people are expecting.
John Shannon: Re Connor McDavid extension: I think it’s a…three or four year deal; I think Connor’s gonna come in…lower than a lot of people [are expecting], short term – Oilers Now (8/15)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) August 16, 2025
Analysis: This could just be speculation and the Oilers are prepared to give McDavid any sort of contract that he wants. The first priority for Edmonton General Manager Stan Bowman is to keep one of their superstars in the fold. Bowman is hoping to get the deal done and then figure things out down the road.
Things have been up in the air when it comes to contract talks and information hasn’t come out. It looks like both sides are keeping things close to the vest. Edmonton fans are waiting with bated breath to see what its captain will do as teams prepare for the start of training camp in September.
There are worries that McDavid will seek a future outside of Alberta. However, insiders like Shannon said that former Hart Trophy winner is likely to stay in Edmonton. The question remains how long and for how much money.
What It Means
Shannon’s speculation about the contract length could be just a sign of the times. The rising salary cap means that players might want to seek shorter-team deals in order to cash in on the escalating numbers. A three-year or four-year deal could allow McDavid to seek another big payday in his career in a few years time. We saw Auston Matthews do the same thing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
However, the interesting thing is the cap number part of the comment. Could McDavid take a bit of a discount in order for the club to address other needs? There have been questions regarding the team’s goaltending in recent seasons. Stuart Skinner has been streaky and Bowman may seek an upgrade in between the pipes.
McDavid said is main priority is winning and taking a bit of a discount could give Edmonton the flexibility it needs to fix holes in its lineup. The Oilers give McDavid a great shot at finally winning a Stanley Cup and his willingness to take less could help him achieve that.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The post NHL Rumours: Update on Talks Between Connor McDavid and Edmonton Oilers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.