There have been several big-time contract extensions handed out in recent weeks around the NHL, yet none involving Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
Perhaps the Kirill Kaprizov mega-deal will speed up the process for everyone else, but at this point in time, the best player in the world seems very comfortable letting his situation play out through the 2025-26 season.
And quite frankly, you can't fault him for that. McDavid is 10 years into his career, and all that matters is winning a championship, at least that's what we think.
While a Stanley Cup is his number one priority, according to Dave Jenkins of NHL Trade Rumors, family is just as important and could lead the superstar center back home to join the Toronto Maple Leafs.
"But here’s where my sources tell me the story takes a turn. While the hockey world is fixated on the dollars and cents, the real story might be about family. McDavid and his wife, Lauren, have deep roots in the Toronto area. The pull of starting a family and being close to loved ones is a powerful one, and it’s a factor that can’t be quantified in a salary cap spreadsheet. The Toronto Maple Leafs have the cap space and the geographical advantage. Come July 1, 2026, we could see the best player in the world trade in his orange and blue for the blue and white," Jenkins wrote.
The hockey world is buzzing about Connor McDavid's future with the Edmonton Oilers. While many are focused on the contract numbers, we're hearing that family could be the deciding factor in a potential move to Toronto 👇#LetsGoOilers #LeafsForever https://t.co/SjjNw88eHK
— NHL Trade Rumors (@nhltraderumours) October 2, 2025
The 28-year-old is set to enter the final season of the eight-year, $100 million contract extension he signed with the Oilers back in 2017, which could allow him to become a UFA next summer.
Toronto is keeping its options open
Just as they should, Brad Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs are proceeding with the dream scenario of Connor McDavid hitting free agency in the back of their minds.
Letting Mitch Marner leave for Las Vegas not only put an end to the Core Four, but it more importantly freed up a plethora of cap space.
To be exact, the Buds are slated for just over $20 million in available cap space next offseason, and that's with the vast majority of their current core already locked up.
After years of overpaying their own, things have changed in Toronto of late, and we've seen a lot more team-friendly extensions. That could just be due to changes in management, or maybe the players know some inside information that we don't, and perhaps it could revolve around the potential availability of Connor McDavid.