Connor McDavid contract extension: NHL Analyst predicts $16–18 Million short-term deal with Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid is officially eligible to sign a contract extension, and the buzz around his next deal is already heating up. With just two seasons remaining on his current eight-year, $100 million contract, the Edmonton Oilers face mounting pressure to lock up the NHL’s biggest superstar before free agency becomes a real threat.

NHL Insider predicts $16M–$18M short-term deal for Connor McDavid

On TSN’s FanDuel Overdrive, NHL analyst Martin Biron weighed in on what kind of extension the Oilers captain could command. With the NHL salary cap projected to rise to $103.5 million, McDavid can legally sign a deal worth up to 20% of the cap, approximately $20.7 million per year.But Biron doesn’t expect McDavid to chase the full max. Instead, he predicts a short-term, two-year bridge deal worth between $16 million and $18 million per season.

That number would still make McDavid the highest-paid player in NHL history while allowing Edmonton to retain enough cap space to improve the roster around him.

However, Biron issued a clear warning. McDavid could accept a slightly lower salary, but only if the Oilers meet key conditions. “I think $18 million is the number,” said Biron. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if Connor McDavid, if the Oilers are solid, says, ‘I’ll go to $16 million on a two-year deal.’

But you know that’s coming with strings attached, if it’s not good, it’s bye-bye, and I’m gone.”

Can the Oilers afford to risk losing Connor McDavid in free agency?

McDavid is coming off another elite season with 100 points in 67 regular-season games and 33 points in 22 playoff appearances. He’s led the Oilers to consecutive Stanley Cup Final trips, but Edmonton has failed to close the deal, falling short again to the Florida Panthers.The Oilers now face a crucial moment to build a championship-caliber team around McDavid now, or risk losing him in 2026 free agency.Also Read: Sidney Crosby Trade Rumors: NHL Insider links Penguins star to Canadiens for final cup runThis looming decision could define the next decade of NHL power dynamics. A short-term deal may keep McDavid in Edmonton for now but unless the Oilers deliver a Stanley Cup, the league’s top player could be suiting up elsewhere in the very near future.