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Oilers GM Sends Clear Message Amid Connor McDavid's Contract Situation originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Edmonton Oilers are preparing for changes this offseason, but any talk of the future starts and ends with Connor McDavid, even if he's still under contract for one more season.
After a second consecutive Stanley Cup Final loss, McDavid made it clear he’s not ready to decide his future just yet, although he will become eligible to sign an extension on July 1.
“If I feel that there’s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem,” McDavid said. “I’m not in a rush.”
General manager Stan Bowman addressed the uncertainty surrounding McDavid's future in Edmonton directly in his end-of-season press conference on Friday.
“Connor is the most important player in the league,” Bowman said. “He’s our captain, he’s our leader. He’s certainly our top priority, and he’s earned the right for us to be respectful of his timing. He’s driving that process.”
If McDavid doesn't sign a contract extension before July 1, 2026, he will enter unrestricted free agency after completing his eight-year, $100 million contract with the Oilers.
Bowman acknowledged the stakes but showed no interest in rushing talks either, respecting the Oilers' star's timeline.
“Certainly we’re eager to meet with him whenever he wants, but also understanding that he just went through a very tough ending to the season,” Bowman said.
Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) is seen out with Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9).Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
While McDavid's next deal could easily surpass $15 million annually and will most certainly make him the highest-paid NHL player, Bowman believes the key to convincing the star forward to stay isn’t money.
“He wants to win,” Bowman said. “That’s all he cares about. He’s not driven by statistics or points or records or money.”
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
The Edmonton Oilers are preparing for changes this offseason, but any talk of the future starts and ends with Connor McDavid, even if he's still under contract for one more season.
After a second consecutive Stanley Cup Final loss, McDavid made it clear he’s not ready to decide his future just yet, although he will become eligible to sign an extension on July 1.
“If I feel that there’s a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem,” McDavid said. “I’m not in a rush.”
General manager Stan Bowman addressed the uncertainty surrounding McDavid's future in Edmonton directly in his end-of-season press conference on Friday.
“Connor is the most important player in the league,” Bowman said. “He’s our captain, he’s our leader. He’s certainly our top priority, and he’s earned the right for us to be respectful of his timing. He’s driving that process.”
If McDavid doesn't sign a contract extension before July 1, 2026, he will enter unrestricted free agency after completing his eight-year, $100 million contract with the Oilers.
Bowman acknowledged the stakes but showed no interest in rushing talks either, respecting the Oilers' star's timeline.
“Certainly we’re eager to meet with him whenever he wants, but also understanding that he just went through a very tough ending to the season,” Bowman said.
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Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) is seen out with Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9).Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
While McDavid's next deal could easily surpass $15 million annually and will most certainly make him the highest-paid NHL player, Bowman believes the key to convincing the star forward to stay isn’t money.
“He wants to win,” Bowman said. “That’s all he cares about. He’s not driven by statistics or points or records or money.”
Related: P.K. Subban Urges Oilers' Connor McDavid to Weigh Next Move
Related: Connor McDavid Doesn't Hesitate to Point Out Oilers' Mistake in Stanley Cup Loss
Related: Connor McDavid Doesn't Hesitate to Point Out Oilers' Mistake in Stanley Cup Loss
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
