Who can have a serious run at McDavid ahead of the 2026 free agency? Find out below:

Fans are well aware of one of the biggest class of free agents coming next summer with Connor McDavid at the very top of it.

The Oilers’ captain has been eligible to sign an extension since July 1 before playing out the final season of an eight-year, $100-million contract in 2025-26, but both he and Edmonton have said there is no rush.

Ad

While insider Chris Johnston believes that, in the end, McDavid will more than likely re-sign with the Oilers, he still wanted to point out that there could be 10 teams in the running to sign the superstar if he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

“I’m sure it has occurred to the Kings, I’m sure it has occurred to the Rangers, you don’t think Julien BriseBois down in Tampa Bay is looking at his long-term roster?” said Johnston on his podcast.

Some fans also want to believe that there is a chance McDavid could make a return home to Toronto with the Maple Leafs, while others wonder if the Vegas Golden Knights will once again steal the show and go after the Oilers’ captain instead of re-signing one of their own pending free agents in Jack Eichel.

McDavid is expected to become, especially if he hits free agency, the highest-paid player in the league.

It all depends which team can fit McDavid if he opts for the max contract, which would be 20 percent of the projected $104 million. Under that scenario, the most the average annual value can come in at is $20.8 million.

According to Puck Pedia, the New York Rangers have a projected $29.6 million in cap space for 2026-27, though they need to make a decision on their pending UFA Artemi Panarin.

The Kings have $37.8 million, and the Lightning $27.7 million. All have the cap space to sign McDavid.

There is no doubt however that McDavid has made it clear on what his focus is on when committing to his future on his next deal.

His first career Stanley Cup trumps all else. I guess the pressure is on the Oilers to go all the way if they don’t want to have to part with their beloved captain.