NHL Trade Rumors: Insider notes growing worry about Connor McDavid’s Edmonton future amid contract delay

Connor McDavid’s future with the Edmonton Oilers has become one of the biggest talking points of the offseason, and now concerns are surfacing as training camp draws near. Despite expectations that the superstar captain would secure a new deal this summer, no progress has been reported.

An NHL insider suggests that unease is growing within the organization as McDavid edges closer to entering the 2025-26 season without an extension.

Concern grows as Connor McDavid enters 2025-26 NHL season without new Edmonton Oilers contract

The expectation earlier this offseason was that McDavid would sign an extension before camp. Instead, with just days to go, negotiations remain stalled. According to NHL insider John Shannon, there is a sense of worry inside the Oilers’ front office about their captain’s contract situation.“I think there’s people in the Oilers office holding their breath; Connor’s in no hurry; he’s going to go into the regular season without a new contract,” Shannon said.

While this doesn’t mean a deal won’t eventually be reached, the lack of urgency from McDavid has left the organization uneasy. For a player widely considered the best in the world, the timing and length of his next contract will play a pivotal role in shaping Edmonton’s long-term future.

Optimism remains for Connor McDavid’s contract extension, but Oilers feel the pressure

Despite the concern, there remains optimism that McDavid will ultimately commit to Edmonton. His close relationship with Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson is seen as a potential factor in ensuring an extension gets done. The bigger question may be whether McDavid wants to tie his future to the Oilers for the long haul or opt for a shorter deal that gives him flexibility.Fans have little reason to panic just yet, but if the season begins without movement and the Oilers struggle to maintain their status as a Stanley Cup contender, the noise around McDavid’s future will only intensify.

For Edmonton’s front office, the stakes could not be higher.Connor McDavid’s contract delay has created a cloud of uncertainty in Edmonton, even if outright panic hasn’t set in. The Oilers know they must keep their superstar happy, but the longer negotiations remain on hold, the more speculation will swirl about his long-term future. Training camp and the early months of the season could prove decisive in determining the direction of these talks.Also Read: New Jersey Devils face big decision in ongoing Luke Hughes contract talks