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McDavid Extension with Oilers 'Approaching': Report

Connor McDavid's Contract Extension with Edmonton Oilers Reportedly on the Horizon

In the high-stakes world of NHL contracts, few players command as much attention as Connor McDavid, the superstar captain of the Edmonton Oilers. As the 2024-25 season unfolds, speculation is mounting that McDavid is nearing a massive contract extension with the team that drafted him first overall in 2015. According to recent insights from NHL insiders, discussions between McDavid's representatives and the Oilers' front office are progressing, with an agreement potentially "approaching" sooner rather than later. This development comes at a pivotal time for the franchise, which is fresh off a heartbreaking Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers in 2024 and is determined to build a championship contender around its core talent.

McDavid, widely regarded as the best player in the world, is entering the final year of his current eight-year contract, signed back in 2017. That deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $12.5 million, a figure that, while substantial at the time, now seems like a bargain given the explosive growth of the NHL salary cap and McDavid's unparalleled on-ice dominance. Over the years, he has amassed an impressive resume, including multiple Art Ross Trophies for leading the league in points, Hart Trophies as MVP, and a Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP in 2024, even in defeat. His ability to single-handedly elevate the Oilers from perennial underachievers to legitimate contenders has made him the face of the franchise and a cornerstone of its future plans.

The timing of this potential extension is no coincidence. McDavid becomes eligible to sign a new deal on July 1, 2025, but teams and players often negotiate well in advance to avoid the uncertainties of free agency. Insiders suggest that the Oilers are eager to lock in McDavid long-term, especially after securing fellow superstar Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year, $112 million extension earlier in the offseason. Draisaitl's contract, with its $14 million AAV, set a new benchmark for elite forwards in the league, surpassing previous records held by players like Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs. McDavid, whose production and impact arguably exceed even Draisaitl's, is positioned to shatter that ceiling. Projections indicate his next deal could command an AAV north of $16 million, potentially making him the highest-paid player in NHL history.

Several factors are influencing these negotiations. The NHL salary cap is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, driven by new television deals, expansion revenue, and overall league growth. This cap inflation provides the Oilers with more financial flexibility to accommodate a mega-contract without crippling their roster-building efforts. However, the team must balance McDavid's payday with commitments to other key players, such as defenseman Evan Bouchard and goaltender Stuart Skinner, who are also due for extensions. The Oilers' management, led by general manager Stan Bowman and CEO Jeff Jackson, has emphasized a "win-now" mentality, and retaining McDavid is non-negotiable in that strategy. Losing him to free agency in 2026 would be catastrophic, not just for the team's on-ice performance but for fan morale and the organization's long-term viability in a hockey-mad market like Edmonton.

From McDavid's perspective, the decision to extend with the Oilers appears rooted in loyalty and unfinished business. At 27 years old, he's expressed a deep connection to the city and the team, often crediting the passionate fanbase for fueling his drive. Despite the Oilers' playoff shortcomings in previous years, their run to the 2024 Final demonstrated tangible progress, with McDavid posting a league-leading 42 playoff points. He has spoken publicly about his desire to bring a Stanley Cup to Edmonton, a city that hasn't celebrated one since the Wayne Gretzky era in 1990. An extension would signal his commitment to that goal, potentially spanning the prime of his career and aligning with the team's window of contention.

Insiders have noted that while formal talks may not have escalated to the point of finalized numbers, the groundwork is being laid. One prominent voice in the hockey media landscape has indicated that both sides are aligned in their vision, with McDavid's camp prioritizing team success over individual accolades in the contract structure. This could include no-movement clauses, signing bonuses, and performance incentives that reward deep playoff runs. Comparatively, recent contracts for top talents like Nathan MacKinnon ($12.6 million AAV with Colorado) and Nikita Kucherov ($9.5 million with Tampa Bay) provide context, but McDavid's unique blend of skill, speed, and leadership sets him apart. Analysts predict his deal could be an eight-year pact worth upwards of $128 million, pushing the AAV to $16 million or more, which would account for about 18% of the projected 2025-26 salary cap.

The broader implications of this extension extend beyond Edmonton. In an era where player movement is increasingly common, McDavid choosing to stay put would reinforce the value of homegrown talent and long-term team building. It could also influence negotiations for other pending free agents, such as Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh or Mitch Marner in Toronto, by resetting market expectations for superstar compensation. For the Oilers, securing McDavid would provide stability and attract free agents eager to join a contender. The team's offseason moves, including additions like Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, already signal an aggressive push for the Cup, and McDavid's extension would be the ultimate vote of confidence in that direction.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on McDavid's performance and any subtle hints about his future. If the extension materializes before the end of the 2024-25 campaign, it could energize the team and its supporters, turning the page from past disappointments to a brighter horizon. Conversely, delays might spark unnecessary speculation, though insiders remain optimistic. Ultimately, Connor McDavid's impending contract extension represents more than just dollars and cents—it's a testament to his legacy, the Oilers' ambitions, and the enduring allure of hockey's greatest talents committing to their roots. With the pieces falling into place, Edmonton fans can dare to dream of parades down Jasper Avenue, led by their generational icon. (Word count: 842)

Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nhl/news/mcdavid-oilers-extension-approaching/a138602f8b9865c8670d766a ]