The speculation surrounding Connor McDavid’s future has dragged on far longer than the Edmonton Oilers had hoped, but it could all come to an end as the team reportedly prepares a lucrative contract offer.

Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on before a game against the Florida Panthers in Game Five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 14, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. © Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesConnor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on before a game against the Florida Panthers in Game Five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 14, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

As long as the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid don’t put pen to paper on a contract extension, every NHL team will keep their ear to the door. Edmonton can’t do anything about it, but silence the noise by coming to terms with its captain. Until then, the buzz will only grow louder.

Coming off consecutive defeats in the Stanley Cup Final, McDavid and the Oilers want to end the suffering, and there’s only one way to do so: hoisting Lord Stanley.

So far in his career, McDavid hasn’t considered playing anywhere other than Edmonton, but that could’ve changed.

With each passing day, the possibility of McDavid entering the 2025–26 NHL season in a contract year becomes more real.

 The Oilers will leave no stone unturned in their attempt to keep the best player in the league in town. On that note, they might be close to sealing the deal.

Too good to refuse

As reported around the league, the Oilers might be closing in on the details of an unsurpassable extension for the former first overall pick in the 2015 NHL entry Draft.

Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers poses for a portrait before the 2022 NHL All-Star game at T-Mobile Arena on February 04, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers poses for a portrait before the 2022 NHL All-Star game at T-Mobile Arena on February 04, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“My guess is the extension will be in the $16M range, over a 4 or 5 year extension. $16 to $17 millions, somewhere in that vicinity,” insider David Pagnotta stated, via Melnick in the Afternoon.

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How much would McDavid earn if he signs for such value?

If McDavid winds up re-signing with the Oilers on such a deal, the 28-year-old centerman could make between $64 and $85 million in the upcoming seasons. Such an income would only bolster his impressive net worth. McDavid is entering the final season of his current eight-year, $100M contract.

Needless to say, McDavid would become the highest-paid player in the NHL. Whenever he puts pen to paper on a new contract—whether in Edmonton or elsewhere—all signs point to it being a record-breaking deal.

At the moment, teammate Leon Draisaitl is the highest-paid player in the league, earning an average of $14 million per season over the next eight years.