Connor McDavid’s future sparks league-wide buzz as NHL giants line up

As the 2025–26 NHL season approaches, the most deafening silence of all is that of Connor McDavid. The captain of the Edmonton Oilers, just coming into the final year of the eight-season deal, has not yet gone into discussions about a new deal.

His allegiance to Edmonton is undoubted; however, rushing into an extension has not been what McDavid has wanted to do, thereby placing one big opportunity for the hockey world not to pass up. While it never came into being, the thought of McDavid's free agency has now truly become a footballing topic.

Top teams prepare for the possibility of Connor McDavid’s free agency

Even without any concrete moves, the more time passes, the louder the whispers of the franchises like the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers trying to lay their claims for Connor McDavid.

That buzz started when journalist Chris Johnston spoke on his podcast that some front offices would be "stupid" not to consider the ramifications of McDavid's possible free-agent status in 2026.Making him enter his prime at 28, the kind of finish he had during the playoffs with 33 points has truly cemented his superstar status. While Edmonton can still attempt to re-sign him by July 1, 2026, there have already been many discussions within many teams on the eventuality that he may want to explore other offers.

At the same time, the very presence of Ken Holland with the Los Angeles front office just fuels the talk about Los Angeles being a bona fide contender.

Toronto Maple Leafs now on McDavid's list of potential suitors

Quiet speculation has blossomed into stark interest from other NHL heavyweights. Owing to this increased attention, the Maple Leafs have emerged as an interesting offseason possibility if McDavid hits unrestricted free agency. Chris Johnston, however, stated in a separate podcast that the Leafs "absolutely" would be in the mix.

It wouldn't be a usual bidding war anyway; the McDavid decision would largely be based on team vision, fit, and other personal goals laid out by himself.The notion of McDavid returning to his home province to lead the Leafs has kept both fans and analysts muddled in theories. With Original Six prestige and an almost intact core, Toronto would surely be a fascinating destination-if only the timing and alignment of rosters favored it.Also Read: Dylan Nolan goes to the Waterloo Black Hawks in a trade for Connor BrownYet, Connor McDavid's clear-type choices have not yet been made, and this ambiguous stand is enough to harbor plenty of skirmishes among other teams. Slowly but surely, contenders leading away to 2026 are preparing their pitches. If McDavid becomes a free agent at that point? This alone may very well stir the balance in the league for years.