The Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid have agreed to a two-year, $25 million contract extension, a move that has surprised many in the hockey world. The announcement, made on Monday, October 6, 2025, puts to rest months of speculation and anxiety among Oilers fans. The extension carries an average annual value (AAV) of $12.5 million, the same as his current contract, and will begin in the 2026-27 season.
What makes this deal particularly intriguing is not the dollar amount, but the brevity and the story behind it. According to Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman, the contract was essentially McDavid's idea. In a recent media call, Bowman revealed that the negotiation process culminated in a remarkably short conversation. "[The $12.5 million] was what Connor wanted," Bowman stated, emphasizing that the team did not try to persuade him to accept that figure. The GM added, "We never had those conversations at all, and I think when we came down to it, we were excited to get ourselves down to where we are today".
The narrative suggests that McDavid's primary focus isn't maximizing his earnings, but rather winning a Stanley Cup in Edmonton. By accepting a shorter term and maintaining his current AAV, McDavid provides the Oilers with greater financial flexibility to build a championship-caliber team around him. This decision is particularly significant considering the NHL's rising salary cap, which could have allowed McDavid to command a much higher salary. Instead, he opted for a team-friendly deal, demonstrating his commitment to the Oilers and their pursuit of a title.
McDavid himself hinted at this approach in September, stating that he was seeking a solution that would benefit both him and the team's chances of winning. "I put everything I have into this and deserve to be paid what I feel is fair," McDavid said, "I'm trying to come up with a solution for everybody".
The two-year extension also provides McDavid with options. At the end of the 2027-28 season, he will be 31 years old and potentially an unrestricted free agent. This would allow him to reassess his situation and make a decision based on the Oilers' progress and his own ambitions. Some speculate that if the Oilers fail to win a Stanley Cup in the next three seasons, McDavid might consider joining another team.
The Oilers have reached the Stanley Cup Final the past two seasons, only to be defeated by the Florida Panthers. Despite these setbacks, McDavid's commitment to Edmonton remains strong. He confirmed the news of his extension on social media, posting "Our journey here continues," accompanied by a photo of him with his teammates.
The Oilers also announced a seven-year contract extension with defenseman Jake Walman. These moves signal the Oilers' intent to solidify their roster and contend for the Stanley Cup in the coming years.
McDavid's decision to sign a two-year extension is a calculated risk, but it reflects his unwavering desire to win in Edmonton. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Connor McDavid is betting on himself and the Edmonton Oilers.
