CALGARY — Connor McDavid says he’s nonetheless taking his time working by way of a possible contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers and indicated that he’d be comfy getting into the ultimate yr of his present deal with no new one in place.
Talking at Staff Canada’s 2026 Olympic orientation camp, McDavid instructed reporters that his place on the topic hasn’t progressed since he spoke days after Edmonton’s second straight Stanley Cup Ultimate defeat to the Florida Panthers.
“Like I mentioned on the finish of June, I had each intention simply to take my time with it, and I nonetheless really feel the identical method,” he mentioned. “Take my time and undergo the whole lot. I’ve each intention to win in Edmonton. It’s my solely focus, perhaps subsequent to profitable the gold medal with Canada. However it’s my intention to win there.
“Taking my time, going by way of it with, clearly, my household, my agent, all people concerned.
“We’re going by way of it slowly.”
Connor McDavid says he nonetheless desires to take his time earlier than engaged on a contract extension with the Oilers.
“I’ve each intention to win in Edmonton.” pic.twitter.com/ixYfql7EgC
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) August 27, 2025
McDavid has been eligible to signal a contract extension with the Oilers since July 1.
He’s getting into the ultimate yr of a deal that pays him $12.5 million yearly and may hit unrestricted free company when that expires subsequent summer season.
Whereas the Oilers would clearly like to have the captain’s signature on a brand new deal earlier than coaching camp opens subsequent month, McDavid doesn’t share the sense of urgency. He has mentioned repeatedly that his largest precedence when considering his subsequent contract revolves round realizing that he’ll be taking part in someplace that offers him an opportunity to win many times.
Requested if he’d desire to get a brand new deal executed in Edmonton earlier than the season opens Oct. 8 vs. Calgary, McDavid was non-committal: “I’d say all choices are on the desk, actually. As I mentioned, we’re going by way of it. I don’t have a desire both method.”
How that will or might not have an effect on his teammates may finally issue into the equation as they attempt to recover from the hump following consecutive journeys to the Ultimate.
“I need the group to be as targeted and dialed in and able to roll come Day 1 as attainable,” mentioned McDavid. “You recognize, we don’t want any distractions. Taking my time with it and that’s it.”
McDavid has gained 5 scoring titles throughout his 10 NHL seasons, ending with at the very least 100 factors in eight of these years. He’s additionally completed atop the postseason scoring listing three of the final 4 springs, taking dwelling the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2024.
(Photograph: Steph Chambers / Getty Photographs)
