Leo’s hockey report: Breaking down the Connor McDavid contract situation

Connor McDavid during the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals. (Submitted: Sergei Belski/USA Today Sports)

Hockey has been in hibernation for the past two months. 

The last time the sport graced television screens was on June 17. That night, the Florida Panthers took on the Edmonton Oilers in game five of the Stanley Cup Finals. 

Florida defeated the Oilers 5-1, capturing Lord Stanley's Mug for a second straight year. Sam Reinhart led the way with three goals. 

Fast forward to the beginning of September, fans have witnessed several storylines play out throughout the offseason. Players have changed teams, new coaches were hired and future stars were born. 

However, the summer belonged to Edmonton forward Connor McDavid. 

McDavid enters the season in the final year of his eight-year contract. He signed the deal with Edmonton in 2017 when his rookie contract ended. He became eligible to sign an extension on July 1. 

Right now, McDavid is not concerned about starting the season without a contract extension. 

The Richmond Hill, Ontario native has faith that he will win a Stanley Cup in Edmonton, despite falling short in the last two seasons.

“I’m trying to come up with a solution for everybody,” McDavid told reporters. “I put everything I have into this and deserve to be paid what I feel is fair. With that being said, there is a salary cap and my only desire is to win, so trying to figure out that balance is tricky.”

“I’d say all options are on the table. I don’t have a preference either way.”

It’s no secret that the market for big-name players is starting to show itself. 

McDavid’s teammate, Leon Draisaitl, signed a contract extension in September 2024 with the Oilers. Edmonton agreed to pay him $14 million a year for the next eight seasons. 

Krill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild just turned down an eight-year, $128 million offer.

The deal, which sent shockwaves through the league, would have made him the highest-paid player in the NHL.

Kaprizov is a top 15 player in the league. Ironically, he also wears number 97. 

McDavid’s extension woes could be looked at in one of two ways. Fans can take solace in the fact that the forward is open to re-signing in Alberta’s capital.

McDavid also enjoys living in Edmonton. He would even consider signing a short-term deal with the club.  

At the same time, fans could take the panicky route. Having a player like McDavid on the open market is daunting. 

McDavid is enjoying an illustrious 10-year career. He has won the Hart Trophy four different times.

The Hart Trophy is awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player. McDavid has led the NHL in goals and points on multiple occasions. He is also a threat to burn defenders with his game-changing speed. 

Therefore, McDavid would be at the top of the list of all 31 NHL general managers if he became available. He is one of the best players in the world. 

“It’s not something that I take lightly; it’s not something that my family takes lightly. I’ve put everything I have into my career, just like everybody here. You only get one chance to do it and to do it right and that leads to taking your time with it and that’s where it’s at.”

Nadia Lavoie is a third-year forward for the St. Thomas Women’s Hockey Team. She is a die-hard Edmonton Oilers fan and has been ever since she was born. Edmonton is also the closest NHL franchise to her hometown. 

Lavoie is not worried about McDavid failing to re-sign with the Oilers. Instead, she believes the team may need to capture that elusive Stanley Cup to keep him around. 

“There was a comment recently in the media that said he'll try to win in Edmonton,” she said. "I don't think we'll be able to lock him down long term, but I think he probably will sign a one-year extension, or maybe just a two, three-year contract.” 

If McDavid were to change teams, then Lavoie would be split between the Oilers and whatever team the superstar was playing for. 

“We did recently sign Draisaitl for eight years. I think at least we'll have one superstar, but I think maybe a lot of our fan base would maybe split halfway. I know that's probably what I would do,” said Lavoie. “He's the best player that we've seen in generations. He makes a huge difference on any team.”

“Let’s go win the cup. Let’s go Oilers!” 

The new NHL season is almost here. And as the weeks and months progress, so will the news coming out of the Edmonton Oilers camp on a McDavid extension. 

All we can do is sit back and watch the drama unfold.