Connor McDavid is taking his time to decide on his future in Alberta, leaving Edmonton Oilers fans and the hockey community waiting. As the NHL gears up for the 2025-26 season, various storylines are in focus, including the Florida Panthers’ bid for a third consecutive Stanley Cup, the Oilers’ quest to overcome their championship drought, uncertainty surrounding Sidney Crosby’s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of 900 goals, and the league’s comeback to the Olympics after a 12-year hiatus.
McDavid, the Oilers’ star captain, is in the final year of his eight-year contract with a $12.5 million US salary cap hit since 2017-18. Despite being eligible to sign a new contract on July 1, McDavid has been deliberate in his decision-making process, indicating that discussions are ongoing to gauge his feelings and where he stands.
As the puck is about to drop on the upcoming season, with unrestricted free agency potentially looming on July 1, McDavid’s contract situation remains a significant point of interest. The recent signing of Kirill Kaprizov to a lucrative eight-year, $136-million extension has sparked speculation about McDavid’s next move.
While McDavid has expressed his desire to win in Edmonton, questions linger about the duration of his commitment beyond this season. Other notable players approaching free agency include Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor, and Artemi Panarin.
Despite the projected increase in the salary cap for the upcoming seasons, history suggests that elite talents like McDavid tend to stay with their current teams. Meanwhile, the Panthers aim to make history by becoming the first team to clinch three consecutive Stanley Cup titles since the 1980s.
Florida winger Sam Reinhart emphasized the team’s unity and preparedness heading into the new season, reflecting on their success and challenges. The Oilers, having faced the Panthers in the previous season’s final, are determined to bounce back stronger and remain focused on their goals.
As the new season unfolds, Crosby’s uncertain future with the Penguins, Ovechkin’s pursuit of 900 career goals, and notable player movements during the off-season add intrigue to the NHL landscape. The league’s return to the Olympics in 2026 is also highly anticipated, offering star players like McDavid a chance to shine on the global stage.