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Connor McDavid contract, explained: What new extension kicking in means for Oilers captain's future in Edmonton originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Connor McDavid is undoubtedly hockey’s greatest talent. He’s not quite paid like it, though The Oilers supernova has long captivated audiences with his speed, dexterity and artistry with the puck in his grasp. He is less a hockey player than a dancer, scything through the blue line before producing fireworks at the net.
McDavid’s heroics haven’t brought him hockey’s greatest hardware — at least not yet. With him and Leon Draisaitl at the helm, the Oilers have made it to the Stanley Cup Final twice. They fell short of the title on both occasions.
Edmonton’s defeats can hardly be placed on McDavid. He led the league in postseason scoring in both playoffs and became one of six players to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP despite losing the Stanley Cup Final in 2024..
Nevertheless, premature postseason exits have proven all too familiar for the Oilers throughout McDavid’s tenure. Their latest defeat, this time at the hands of the Ducks, has some wondering what will happen with the 29-year-old in the next few seasons.
With that, here’s what you need to know about McDavid’s latest contract extension, signed before the start of the 2025-26 season.
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Connor McDavid contract details
- Years: Two
- Contract value: $25 million
McDavid was slated to hit free agency at the end of the 2025-26 season. Days before the season started, the Oilers announced that their talisman had inked a short-term extension to remain in Edmonton for the upcoming season.
The figures were far lower than McDavid's on-ice production would suggest. McDavid took home $12.5 million annually on his last contract, signed ahead of the 2018 season when the salary cap stood at $78.5 million. That mark will sit at $104 million in 2026-27. Whereas McDavid's first contract extension saw him consume a little more than 15 percent of Edmonton's salary cap in 2018, his $12.5 million average annual value will account for only about 12 percent of that figure in 2026-27. In other words, the Oilers will have more money to work with as they attempt to build a winner around McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard.
McDavid took a team-friendly deal, passing up millions to stay in Edmonton in the short term. The contract also serves as insurance for the Oilers, who could, theoretically, dangle McDavid as a trade chip should he decide he wants out before the expiration of his contract.
MORE: Updated list of finalists for the Hart, Norris, Vezina, Calder & more
How many years does Connor McDavid have left on his contract?
McDavid's contract extension kicks in at the start of the 2026-27 season. He has two years left on that contract, with the deal set to expire at the end of the 2027-28 season.
Highest-paid players in NHL
McDavid was the fourth-highest earner in the NHL this season, taking home $12.5 million. He'll tumble down the standings somewhat in 2026-27 -- Kirill Kaprizov ($17 million AAV) and Jack Eichel's ($13.5 million AAV) contract extensions will shake up the list next year.
All told, McDavid's extension mimics deals for Nathan MacKinnon ($12.6 million AAV), Kyle Connor ($12 million AAV), Mitchell Marner ($12 million AAV) and Mikko Rantanen ($12 million AAV).
With that, here's a look at the highest-paid players by cap hit in 2025-26.
| Player | Team | Cap Hit |
| Leon Draisaitl | Oilers | $14 million |
| Auston Matthews | Maple Leafs | $13.25 million |
| Nathan MacKinnon | Avalanche | $12.6 million |
| Connor McDavid | Oilers | $12.5 million |
| Mitchell Marner | Golden Knights | $12 million |
| Mikko Rantanen | Stars | $12 million |
| Artemi Panarin | Rangers | $11.642 million |
| Elias Pettersson | Canucks | $11.6 million |
| Erik Karlsson | Penguins | $11.5 million |
| William Nylander | Maple Leafs | $11.5 million |
| Igor Shesterkin | Rangers | $11.5 million |
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