Connor McDavid’s future Oilers contract may focus on historic annual value instead of maximum term extension

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is once again at the center of hockey’s biggest conversation — his next contract. With his current deal inching closer to expiration and free agency looming on July 1, speculation is heating up.

Reports suggest McDavid may not seek another lengthy extension but could instead pursue a shorter-term deal carrying a record-breaking average annual value (AAV). If true, it would signal a shift that could ripple far beyond Edmonton.

Connor McDavid and the possibility of a record-setting contract

Per analyst David Pagnotta, discussions around McDavid’s extension could soon begin, and the numbers being floated are staggering. “It would surprise no one if his deal hovered around the $17 million AAV mark on a mid-term deal,” Pagnotta noted.

Such a figure would not only set a new NHL benchmark but could redefine how elite players negotiate their value moving forward.

The timing is crucial. With the NHL salary cap expected to rise in the coming seasons, McDavid’s deal may serve as the foundation for future superstar contracts. Players across the league could point to his numbers as the new standard, sparking a wave of high-value negotiations that push the salary ceiling further than ever before.

How a short-term gamble impacts the Oilers’ championship window

For Edmonton, the stakes extend well beyond the numbers on paper. A short-term, high-dollar commitment from McDavid ensures they retain the game’s most electrifying talent but at the cost of roster flexibility. Alongside Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard — whose new contract carries a hefty $10.5 million AAV — the Oilers could soon see an outsized share of their cap space locked into just three players.That dynamic raises tough questions about the team’s depth and long-term playoff potential. Still, as long as McDavid wears the Oilers jersey, the franchise remains a perennial Stanley Cup contender. Balancing his historic value with the financial health of the roster will ultimately define Edmonton’s future — and possibly reshape the NHL’s financial landscape.Also Read: Former Oilers star calls contract talks disrespectful, finally explains why he chose St. Louis over Edmonton stay