“He’ll end up staying there”: ESPN’s analyst predicts Connor McDavid’s future with the Edmonton Oilers

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Connor McDavid, widely regarded as the best hockey player today, has already built a legendary career at just 28, winning multiple major NHL awards. His eight-year, $100 million contract, which began in 2018, has only one season left after this one, leaving questions about his future with the Edmonton Oilers.

As contract winds down, Connor McDavid faces career-defining choice

Connor McDavid has made it clear that his decision will be influenced by many factors, including his loyalty to Edmonton Oilers, his drive to win, and his commitment to family. As his contract nears its end, the hockey world eagerly awaits his next move.

“Everything’s a factor,” McDavid said back in September. “Obviously, my loyalty to Edmonton, the fans, the organization, the loyalty to the players, all while understanding my will to win, my desire to win. All while balancing my family, my need to see them and spend time with them and make sure the people I care about are good.”

McDavid, a native of Richmond Hill, Ontario, has yet to sign an extension but hasn’t shown any signs of wanting to leave the team that drafted him first overall.

On Wednesday, ESPN broadcaster John Buccigross shared his prediction on the “Morning Cuppa Hockey” podcast about which team McDavid will be playing for in the 2026-27 NHL season. “McDavid, Edmonton,” Buccigross said. “I think he’ll end up staying there and sign a max contract with them this summer.”

While McDavid’s numbers aren’t as staggering as in past seasons, he’s still performing at an elite level. In 58 games, he has 24 goals and 58 assists, ranking fourth in the league. He and the Oilers are determined to return to the Stanley Cup Final and redeem themselves after last year’s Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers.

McDavid’s future with the Oilers remains uncertain, but his commitment to winning is clear. As he continues to dominate the league, all eyes will be on his next move and whether he will stay in Edmonton to chase a Stanley Cup.