Connor McDavid’s Contract Extension: The Oilers General Manager discussed the status of the team captain’s deal.

As the heart and soul of the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid has become synonymous with the team’s success. Since his arrival in 2015, McDavid has revolutionized the Oilers’ offense, transforming them from a rebuilding team to perennial playoff contenders. His unparalleled skill, speed, and vision on the ice have not only made him one of the best players in the NHL but also a franchise cornerstone. The question on the minds of Oilers fans, however, is not whether McDavid will remain in Edmonton, but rather what his contract extension will look like and how it will impact the future of the franchise.

Recently, Ken Holland, the Edmonton Oilers General Manager, gave some insight into the ongoing discussions surrounding McDavid’s future with the team. With McDavid’s current contract set to expire in 2026, the Oilers’ front office has already started planning for what is expected to be one of the largest and most lucrative contract extensions in the history of the NHL. As the team continues to focus on contending for the Stanley Cup, Holland’s comments provide some clarity on the team’s strategy and the broader implications of McDavid’s next contract.

In this article, we will break down the details surrounding McDavid’s upcoming contract extension, explore what the Oilers’ general manager has said, and consider what it means for the future of both McDavid and the Oilers.

McDavid’s Current Contract: The Foundation of the Oilers’ Success

To understand the importance of McDavid’s upcoming contract extension, we must first examine his current deal. McDavid signed an eight-year, $100 million contract with the Oilers in 2017, which was the largest in NHL history at the time. The deal has an average annual value (AAV) of $12.5 million, making McDavid not only the highest-paid player on the Oilers but also one of the top earners in the league.

McDavid’s current contract has been an incredible bargain for the Oilers in terms of on-ice value. Since signing his deal, McDavid has established himself as the most dominant player in the NHL. His combination of speed, hockey IQ, and playmaking ability has resulted in multiple Hart Trophies, Art Ross Trophies, and a multitude of scoring records. McDavid has consistently posted over 100 points per season and has established himself as a player capable of altering the outcome of a game in a matter of seconds.

However, as with all star players, McDavid’s contract has been subject to growing expectations as he continues to improve and elevate the Oilers’ play. His current deal, while extraordinary, is soon to be outpaced by the market as the cap space around the NHL continues to rise. The Oilers have always known that McDavid’s next contract would be massive, and now, with the star player approaching the final years of his current deal, the organization is beginning to lay the groundwork for what’s next.

Ken Holland’s Comments on McDavid’s Contract Extension

Recently, Ken Holland spoke publicly about the status of McDavid’s contract extension, addressing both the logistical and financial challenges involved in keeping the superstar in Edmonton for the long term. While Holland did not divulge specific financial figures or timelines, he provided some important insight into the Oilers’ approach to negotiating with McDavid’s representatives.

During a press conference, Holland stated:

“We’ve been in constant communication with Connor and his agents. The goal is simple: we want Connor to be an Oiler for life. There’s no doubt that we value him as not just the best player in the world but the face of this franchise. We will do everything we can to make sure Connor is here long-term.”

Holland’s statement is a clear indication of the Oilers’ commitment to retaining McDavid beyond 2026. The general manager emphasized that McDavid is central to the team’s future and that the Oilers will work to structure a deal that benefits both the team and the player.

While Holland refrained from discussing specific terms, he did acknowledge that McDavid’s future contract would reflect his status as the top player in the league. McDavid’s value to the Oilers goes beyond his on-ice performance; his marketability, his leadership, and his ability to elevate the team make him a cornerstone of the franchise’s identity. With the salary cap rising in the NHL and McDavid’s stature continuing to grow, the Oilers are prepared for a significant financial commitment.

The Financial Landscape: What McDavid’s New Contract Could Look Like

As McDavid’s contract extension negotiations begin to take shape, it’s clear that his next deal will likely set a new standard for player salaries in the NHL. The salary cap in the NHL has been on a steady increase in recent years, and as a result, players like McDavid can expect to command even higher salaries than before. So, what could McDavid’s next contract look like in terms of both salary and length?

1. Length of the Contract: An Eight-Year Deal Likely

McDavid’s current contract runs through the 2025-2026 season, and it is widely expected that his new deal will mirror the structure of his previous one—a multi-year extension that locks him in for a significant portion of his prime years. The most likely scenario is that McDavid signs another eight-year contract, which would allow him to remain with the Oilers for the remainder of his career.

An eight-year deal would not only provide the Oilers with long-term security but also give McDavid the financial stability and peace of mind to focus on his game without worrying about contract negotiations for the foreseeable future. Given McDavid’s age (he will be 29 years old when his current contract expires), this contract would likely cover the majority of his prime years, ensuring that the Oilers have him in the lineup during their most important years of contention.

2. Average Annual Value (AAV): A Record-Breaking Contract

The most significant question surrounding McDavid’s extension is the AAV—the average annual salary that McDavid will earn over the course of his new contract. McDavid’s current AAV is $12.5 million, which was already the largest contract in the NHL when it was signed. However, McDavid’s next contract is expected to far surpass this number, as he will likely become the highest-paid player in the league once again.

As of now, the highest-paid player in the NHL is Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who has an AAV of $13.25 million under his current contract. However, given McDavid’s dominance on the ice and his overall importance to the Oilers’ success, it is expected that McDavid’s next deal will see him earn $15 million to $16 million per year.

This would be a significant increase over his current salary, but it would be in line with the market value for the league’s most dominant player. Some reports suggest that McDavid could earn even more—possibly approaching $18 million per season—depending on how the contract is structured. This would make McDavid’s contract the most lucrative in NHL history and set a new benchmark for future superstar contracts.

3. Performance-Based Bonuses and Incentives

In addition to a record-setting salary, McDavid’s contract is likely to feature substantial performance-based bonuses and incentives. These could include clauses tied to achievements like winning the Hart Trophy, earning All-Star selections, and helping the Oilers win playoff rounds or ultimately secure the Stanley Cup.

The inclusion of these incentives would allow McDavid to earn even more money based on his performance and his ability to lead the Oilers to success. Given McDavid’s track record of exceeding expectations, this structure would make sense from both a financial and competitive standpoint. The Oilers would be incentivized to push for success, while McDavid would be rewarded for his efforts on the ice.

4. No-Movement Clause (NMC) and Trade Protection

As the face of the franchise, McDavid’s next contract is almost certain to include some form of trade protection, most likely in the form of a no-movement clause (NMC) or no-trade clause (NTC). Given McDavid’s status and the loyalty he has shown to the Oilers, it is unlikely that he would ever be traded during the life of his next contract. However, the inclusion of an NMC would solidify McDavid’s position as a player who will spend his entire career in Edmonton, ensuring that he is not moved without his consent.

This clause would provide McDavid with the security of knowing that his future with the Oilers is guaranteed unless he personally requests a trade. It also gives McDavid a voice in the decision-making process, which is a common feature for elite players with significant market value.

Impact of McDavid’s Extension on the Oilers’ Roster Construction

While McDavid’s contract extension will undoubtedly be a significant financial commitment, the Oilers are likely prepared for the impact it will have on their salary cap. The team has already made moves in recent seasons to improve their depth, and the success of the team will depend on finding the right balance between paying McDavid top dollar and surrounding him with a competitive roster.

One possible outcome is that the Oilers may have to make some tough decisions about which players to keep and which to let go in order to make room for McDavid’s new contract. The salary cap is a fixed number, and if McDavid’s deal takes up a large chunk of the team’s cap space, the Oilers will need to ensure they have sufficient depth in other areas, particularly on defense and in net.

The good news for the Oilers is that McDavid’s leadership, marketability, and ability to elevate those around him make him a central part of the team’s long-term success. While

the contract extension will require the team to make some sacrifices in terms of roster construction, the Oilers remain confident that McDavid’s presence will continue to drive the team forward.