Connor McDavid is holding up the hockey world. It feels as if everything else is on pause around the NHL right now, waiting for the shoe to drop on an extension between the biggest superstar in the sport and the Edmonton Oilers.
The rest of the league might have to get used to it and start moving along, because this situation doesn't appear to be nearing a resolution anytime soon.
McDavid is very comfortable taking his time and weighing all options when it comes to his next contract, as he should. But that, of course, has led to mass rumors, speculation, and now concern from Oilers fans about what it means for his future.
Will he sign long-term, short-term, or at all? So many questions remain unanswered, though Sportsnet writer Michael Amato is suggesting that no matter what McDavid does, he shouldn't extend any longer than one year in Edmonton.
"In this case, the money probably isn’t as complicated as the term. McDavid’s main goal is to win, so he’s likely willing to take a little less if it helps the Oilers stay flexible with the cap and continually make improvements to the roster. The term is where it gets interesting. We’re used to players taking max term at McDavid’s age, but that wouldn’t make sense for him if he’s solely focused on a championship. There’s no telling what the competitive landscape will look like in the NHL in three or four years, which is why McDavid shouldn’t extend for more than one or two seasons now," Amato said.
"The reasons why Edmonton is a good destination today may not hold true in a few years. The Pacific could be a much tougher division at that point, and the Oilers' roster might face challenges as well. By the 2027-28 campaign, Hyman and Nugent-Hopkins will be in their mid-thirties and likely starting to regress. Key contributors on the back end, like Mattias Ekholm, Jake Walman, and Brett Kulak, aren’t signed beyond this year, and Darnell Nurse’s contract may really become an anchor soon. Not to mention the goaltending struggles, which the Oilers have yet to remedy," Amato added.
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— Michael Amato (@amato_mike) September 5, 2025
If Connor McDavid's main priority is to win a Stanley Cup, he shouldn't sign an extension for more than 1-year with the Oilers right now. https://t.co/ZXr4hO9If2
The 28-year-old is soon to be entering the final season of the eight-year, $100 million contract extension he signed with the Oilers back in 2017.
It's in McDavid's best interest to wait
Connor McDavid should wait as long as he possibly can and see how things play out before making such an important decision on his future. However, the same can't be said for the Edmonton Oilers.
The last thing anyone involved with the organization wants is the best player in the world potentially walking out the door on July 1, 2026, for nothing, which is why this is already such a story 10 months in advance.
It's a situation that couldn't be any different for each side. McDavid has no reason to panic or rush into an extension, while the Oilers are desperate to settle this as soon as possible.
How will it all play out? That's anyone's best guess at this point in time. But there's no denying that every passing day without a deal brings more drama and intrigue, and that will continue to be the case moving forward.